Essex have awarded Mark Pettini, Tim Phillips and Ryan ten Doeschate their county caps. The presentation was made during the lunch interval on day two of the County Championship match against Derbyshire at Chelmsford.
All three have enjoyed their most successful seasons and Ronnie Irani, Essexâ..s captain, made the following comments on each player:
Mark Pettini
"Mark took his chance early on this year, opening the batting for us, and has been a consistent performer for us in all forms of cricket. He's destructive in the one-dayers and has really found his form in the four-dayers. He's become a vital member of our side."
Tim Phillips
"Having got through a serious knee injury, which kept him out of the first-team for a couple of seasons, he is now playing a lot more regularly and consistently. At times he has been devastating for us - especially in one-day cricket. He had a fantastic Twenty20 campaign and is doing really well in the NatWest Pro40. His Championship form is increasing in momentum, his batting is coming on and he's one of the best fielders in the country. He's a great asset to the team."
Ryan ten Doeschate
"Ryan is one of the first names on the team sheet when it comes to the one-day side and has performed exceptionally well for us over the last couple of years. He also started the season in the Championship side and was our leading wicket-taker at one stage. He is improving all the time and is a vital member of our squad. He has deserved his cap through sheer consistency and is one of the best fielders in the country."