Kiwi paceman Matt Quinn has edged closer to the first-team fold after proving his fitness and form following a long injury lay-off.
Quinn suffered a back injury in July last year ruling him out of the rest of the 2016 season and following lengthy rehab work over the winter he is now ready to return.
Three games for the Second team have followed, including Monday’s Trophy match against Sussex Seconds at Billericay.
Sussex ran out 2-wicket Duckworth-Lewis victors but Quinn and Callum Taylor shined to further strengthen their first-team claims.
Having been put into bat under cloud cover, Essex lost early wickets and reached 211 all out largely thanks to 46 from Taylor.
Essex started well with the ball against a first-team heavy Sussex team reducing them to 94-6 thanks to four wickets from Quinn.
Michael Burgess and Danny Briggs helped the visitors recover though with 62 and 70 apiece helping Sussex to a two-wicket victory.
