Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast and everything else you need to know ahead of the latest round of the County Championship...
Fixture: Essex v Durham
Venue: Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
Dates: Thursday, April 15, 2021-Sunday, April 18, 2021
Start time: 11am (session times have been altered during the first three days to cater for a pause between 2.50pm and 4.10pm on Saturday for the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral)
What's the lowdown?
Defending champions Essex go after their first win of the County Championship season when Durham make the long trip from the north east.
Essex have not lost a first-class match for more than two years, and drew with Worcestershire in their opening fixture of the campaign - again at Chelmsford - last week.
Durham, meanwhile, have begun the rebuilding job at Emirates Riverside by recruiting several former players to their squad over the winter, and they opened up with an impressive showing while drawing with Nottinghamshire in round one.
Who's in form?
Essex captain Tom Westley made the second double century of his career against Worcestershire last time out. His 213 spread across nearly nine hours at the crease. Wicketkeeper Adam Wheather made 87 in the middle order, while Sam Cook claimed four wickets.
For Durham, overseas batsman David Bedingham began the season in excellent nick, making 237 runs for once out against Notts. His second-innings 180 not out was his best first-class score.
Last five first-class matches (most recent first)
Essex: DDWDW
Durham: DDDDL
Head-to-head first-class record
Total matches: 16
Essex wins: 8
Durham wins: 3
Draws: 5
What's the team news?
Essex: The hosts are unchanged for the second game of the campaign, with Aaron Beard still out and Peter Siddle not available until next week's trip to Warwickshire.
Essex squad: Tom Westley (c), Ben Allison, Ben Browne, Alastair Cook, Sam Cook, Simon Harmer, Feroze Khushi, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Porter, Matt Quinn, Shane Snater, Ryan ten Doeschate, Paul Walter, Adam Wheater
Durham: James Franklin makes a single change to his 13-man squad as his Durham side visits champions Essex. New Zealand overseas player Will Young has arrived, with the opening batsman replacing Michael Jones.
Durham squad: Scott Borthwick (c), David Bedingham, Jack Burnham, Brydon Carse, Paul Coughlin, Ned Eckersley, Ben Raine, Chris Rushworth, Alex Lees, Stuart Poynter, Matt Salisbury, Alex Thomson, Will Young
Latest Durham news: Click here
Who's said what?
Having seen the run of 11 successive home wins ended by the draw with Worcestershire, captain Tom Westley is looking for a reaction from Essex.
"It is disappointing to lose the winning streak but we are a very hard team to beat at home and fundamentally that is what we want to achieve," he said. "Hopefully, this match gives us the opportunity to start another winning streak.
"There are no easy games in our group, they are all difficult matches and looking at the scorecards in the first round of matches showed that.
"Some of the sides that you expect to do well because they have been in Division One in the last few years have had some really tough games."
What's the weather forecast?
An overcast and cold start to the game, with the possibility of some showers on day one, is replaced by some welcome sunshine over the weekend.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Chelmsford: Click here
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: Essex offer a live stream facility via the MatchZone on their website. You will need to enter your name and email address to sign up for the service. Click here
The service is also available via Essex’s YouTube channel. Click here
Radio: BBC Radio Essex and the BBC Sport website will carry ball-by-ball radio commentary of the game.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and daily updates from every County Championship match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our County Hub for more.
Going to the game?
Tickets: This match is to be played behind closed doors owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
Travel: Not applicable owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
Prediction?
Essex have forgotten how to lose over the past two years and, although Durham look to be an improving team, there should be too much to overcome at Chelmsford. Home win.
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