Cook and Bopara back for Essex

28 June 2008

Ravi Bopara has been in action in the NatWest series

Essex have been boosted by the inclusions of batsman Alastair Cook and all-rounder Ravi Bopara to their squad for the LV County Championship Division One clash with Derbyshire.

The duo have been on England duty in the NatWest series but will return to Graham Gooch’s side for the game at Chelmsford.

Seamer Maurice Chambers could make just his second championship appearance after being named in the squad on the strength of his form in the recent Twenty20 Cup.

On-loan batsman Neil Dexter is also expected to line-up in what will be his first championship appearance for Essex since his move from Kent.

Bowler David Masters will however not feature as he is being rested ahead of Essex’s forthcoming knockout limited-overs games.

Derbyshire are hopeful captain Rikki Clarke will be fit after the all-rounder suffered a slight hamstring pull in the Twenty20 fixture against Durham, while Charl Langeveldt and Chris Rogers are also hoping to feature after missing the last Twenty20 Cup game against Leicestershire.

Tom Lungley is still sidelined with a knee problem although Greg Smith has been included in the squad for the first time in the championship since picking up an injury in the opening game.

Wayne White has been added to the squad as cover for seamer Langeveldt.