2021 County Championship – Warwickshire vs Essex Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Warwickshire vs Essex taking place? Thursday 22nd April, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Warwickshire vs Essex taking place? Edgbaston, Birmingham
What is the expected weather for Warwickshire vs Essex? Dry and sunny throughout with slight cloud cover on Days 3 and 4, with temperatures reaching highs of 16c on Day 2.
Where can I get tickets for Warwickshire vs Essex? The County Championship will initially be played without spectators but it is worth checking each county’s official website for updates
What channel is Warwickshire vs Essex on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Warwickshire vs Essex? Matches can be streamed live on the official websites and YouTube channels of the First-Class Counties alongside the England Cricket App.
THE PREDICTION
Despite being outplayed for the first two days of their match vs Durham, Essex proved why they are the best red-ball side in the land by staging an incredible comeback. Victory looked a long way away after being bowled out for 96 in their first innings, but Essex fought hard to ultimately set Durham a total of 168 to win. With Simon Harmer in that side, that proved more than enough, as their star spin-bowler recorded a second five-wicket haul in the match to help dismiss Durham for 123, giving Essex a remarkable 44-run win. However, Warwickshire currently sit above Essex in the Group 1 table after they also registered victory in their second match of their season. Warwickshire’s triumph was just as dramatic and arguably even more impressive as they successfully chased down a target of 333 in their second innings to beat Nottinghamshire by three-wickets at Trent Bridge, Tim Bresnan the lynchpin of the chase with 68 not out as he put on a partnership of 113 runs for the seventh wicket with Olly Stone.
The Edgbaston pitch is expected to be relatively flat on a hot and sunny day as these two sides duel it out to establish a clear leader at the top of Group 1. Warwickshire will be hoping the ECB grant permission for fast bowler Stone to play once again for them, whilst Australian overseas bowler Peter Siddle will make his first appearance of the season for Essex after finishing his quarantine period. However, crucially the hosts are expected to be without Dom Sibley, after the England test opener fractured a finger against Nottinghamshire. Sibley’s absence will likely see Essex enter this one as favourites, however their bowling attack does lack pace and that could expose them on a hard Edgbaston track. If Harmer is unable to repeat his figures from their win against Durham, then Essex may be forced to settle for a draw here, as even without Sibley, Warwickshire bat very deep.
