Essex

The 2010 domestic season has been a tale of two formats for Essex. Reaching the semi finals for both limited overs formats Essex will be disappointed not to have any silverware to boast about. The side, it seems has gained a reputation in the shorter game. The same can, however not be said of the first class game. Essex have floundered this season, claiming only two championship victories. This echos, to some extent, the fortunes of neighbouring Kent. Both promoted from the second division of the county championship last season, both relegated this season. Perhaps this only serves to illustrate the gulf which is beginning to emerge between the two tiers.

The main problem Essex have faced is, perhaps the lack of an 'X' factor. A regular, reliable source of talent to bolster the side. Injuries and the call of international cricket has skimmed the cream of the Chelmsford crop. The loss of senior players has cost the team, a situation Essex is all to well aware of. The almost fascicle calling in of Twenty20 expert Dwayne Bravo for the finals day of that format certainly smacks of desperation. The huge pay packet he received for only one wicket and five runs betrays a team with limited confidence in their own ability. This is an area where Essex need to improve and perhaps the additional funds from two semi-finals can be used towards finding an established, reliable statesman. Talks with the released Owais Shah could be a fruitful move from the county ground.

Top of the Order - James Foster

Repeating his feat of last season the man with the safest gloves in the country who was dropped by the national side for his weakness with the bat has led the county run scorers. Foster has certainly led by example with 839 runs at an average of 32.26. Certainly handy figures, but the fact that no Essex player reached the coveted thousand first class runs perhaps serves to highlight a top level deficiency.

Best Bowling - David Masters

Veteran seamer David Masters has shown a real source of reliance for Foster and his men. Taking 53 important wickets at 23.07 he has shown that age and experience can really count. A lack of consistent support has, perhaps cost the side. Masters, however has more than fulfilled his role in first class cricket.

Rising Star - Jaik Mickleburgh

The Norwich born right hander has proved highly effective at the top of the order. Equaling Foster's number of runs Mickleburgh amassed his 839 at the slightly poorer average of 29.96, but with one knock more. If nurtured well Michleburgh has every chance of developing into a fine top order batsman and, who knows, follow the path of team mates Alistair Cook and Ravi Bopara into the national side.

A Year to Forget - Graham Napier

After some fireworks hitting which propelled him to national attention, leading to appearances for the England Lions, Napier has failed to gain further recognition. He has, however had no real opportunity to develop in 2010. Only four championship outings, owing to back injury has been a disappointment. Likely to be fit by the new year Napier will look to play a full season and show he has what it takes to compete at the top level.

Star Man - James Foster

Taking the reins from the struggling Mark Pettini, Foster has continued to show what a wonderful ambassador for the game he is. Spurned by England his professionalism has shone through. None will be more disappointed than Foster with the failure to capitalise on limited over successes this season, but he is the sort focused player who will bounce back and focus on improvement for next season.