Worcestershire's Glenn McGrath, widely acknowledged as the world's best fast bowler, will provide Essex batsmen with a severe test at Chelmsford today.

The 30-year-old Aussie is the major reason why Worcestershire will go into action today (Wednesday) topping the Second Division table and optimistic they can stay there.

He already has around 30 Championship victims to his credit and is bound to pose the greatest threat to Essex ambitions.

Essex are hoping that fellow Australian Stuart Law will be deemed fit enough to try and keep the rampaging McGrath at bay.

Law suffered from back spasms which forced him to take a short break earlier in the season and the trouble flared up once more during the match against Sussex at Arundel last week.

Graham Napier is likely to be drafted in if Law is ruled out for a match in which Ronnie Irani and Paul Grayson will be hoping to repeat their deeds of last summer.

Then, when the two counties met, they both recorded centuries - although their efforts were not enough to earn Essex anything better than a draw.

That is because they were overshadowed by the mighty blade of Grame Hick in a clash that produced over 1,200 runs.

Hick followed his 101 in the First innings with 150 in the second, but will not be around to torment Essex bowlers on this occasion because he is away on England duty.

Mark Ilott and company will not be shedding tears over Hick's absence but, as their performances this summer indicate, Worcestershire are still formidable opponents without him.

South Woodham Ferrers-based Andrew McGarry has been included in the squad and could make his first class debut if Asley Cowan is unfit. The 17-year-old represented the county in a tourist match last year.

Essex are expected to select from: Irani, Prichard, Grayson, Robinson, S Law, Peters, D Law, Hyam, Cowan, Ilott, Such, Mason, Napier, McGarry and Flanagan.

Youngster Andrew McGarry could be set for a shock Essex debut today (Wednesday).

The 17-year-old has been drafted in to the squad as cover for Ashley Cowan, who is struggling with an injury.

And if he doesn't make it, the youngster will make his competitive debut in the match against the PPP Healthcare County Championship division two leaders.

McGarry, from South Woodham Ferrers, has just one first team outing to his name, taking four wickets against Sri Lanka last season.

But captain Ronnie Irani said he had no qualms about plunging the youngster in at the deep end.

He said: "I hope he can learn quickly and make the grade. We haven't got a massive squad so people like him could make all the difference.

"He is keen and really wants to make it."

Injury-plagued Essex paceman Ricky Anderson has pencilled in next month's annual Colchester county cricket festival to make his First Class return.

The promising 23-year-old right-arm fast medium bowler revealed: "I'd love to play at Castle Park, especially in the floodlit match against Surrey.

"And I will be pulling out all the stops to make sure I'm there."

Anderson has been out of action with a broken toe on his left foot since recording new career bests with both bat and ball in the Championship game against Northants at Ilford seven weeks ago.

The bowler has been an instant hit with the Essex fans from the moment he burst on to the scene last season, has been cycling and walking to build up the strength in his toes ever since his injury was diagnosed.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.