Colchester and East Essex teenager Ben Allison is set to take on an Essex Eagles XI tonight after being named in the Premier League XI squad for the T20 warm-up clash at the County Ground.

The promising 17-year-old, who has been a regular in the Colchester starting line-up this season in Shepherd Neame Essex League premier division, will be part of a team of talented cricketers from clubs across the region which also includes Frinton's former Essex bowler Mervyn Westfield.

Colchester first XI captain Jake Foley: "It'll be a really good experience for Ben and I'm really pleased for him.

"He's working hard and playing well and he's doing all of the right things."

The Essex Eagles side is set to feature the likes of Ryan ten Doeschate, James Foster and Ravi Bopara.

Gates will open from 6pm and the match will start at 7pm, with entry by a donation to the Essex Cricket Foundation.

Meanwhile, Colchester will be bidding to make Finals Day when they take on Upminster in their Dukes T20 Cup quarter-final tonight.