Romford-born quick who made his first-class debut for Essex in 2005 against Derbyshire at Chelmsford. Although part of the Essex Academy at the time he graduated to the first-team squad on a full-time basis in 2006.

Achieved career-best figures of 4-72 in the Championship match against Somerset that August as he featured in three four-day and two NatWest Pro40 matches over the season.

Toured with England Under-19s to Malaysia at the start of 2007 where he served notice of his promise with both bat and ball.

Unfortunately the pace man’s subsequent campaign was ruined by injury as a stress fracture in his back was diagnosed shortly after he featured in the opening Championship game of the season against Derbyshire.