Essex seem to have a handy line in talented young openers at the moment. With Alastair Cook unlikely to play much this season after predictably shining for England, it is lucky that 18-year-old Varun Chopra has started to show his class. A mature hundred on Championship debut against Gloucestershire, followed by an unbeaten fifty in the second innings, confirmed that he has the temperament to go with the technique. At Essex since the age of eight, he has several similarities to Cook. Both captained England Under-19, both are tall, classical batsmen and strong off their legs. Importantly, both seem to have the right attitude.

�..I love playing for Essex�.�, says Chopra. �..I�..ve been here since I was a kid and they�..ve treated me really well. I felt good [during his hundred], and more relaxed as I went along. Hopefully I can follow Cooky and aim for the England team �.. that�..s my dream.�.� And, after discovering Will Jefferson and Cook, would you bet against Essex finding another opener of similar quality if he does make it?
Daniel Brigham, The Wisden Cricketer