Essex return to County Championship business today when they face Kent at Chelmsford for the start of what could be three defining weeks of cricket in the county’s quest to gain promotion.

The home side start the game in fourth place in division two, with ground to make up on leaders Worcestershire and second-placed Hampshire, who currently occupy the two promotion places with 214 and 207 points respectively from 14 matches.

Surrey are third with 175 from 14 matches, 12 more than Essex and 22 ahead of fifth-placed Kent, although the latter two counties have only played 13 games.

Essex have named a 13-man squad and could be set to give a first team debut to right-arm medium-fast bowler Jamie Porter.

The 21 year-old Leytonstone-born bowler has been turning in some impressive performances for the second XI that includes figures of 8 for 48 against Sussex 2nd XI in July.

Head Coach Paul Grayson believes Porter deserves his chance.

“He’s done very well this year and has been our stand out bowler in second team cricket,” he said.

“Neither Reece Topley nor Tymal Mills will play any more cricket this season so Jamie has a chance of playing and he’s an exciting prospect.

"We will be targeting three wins from our remaining three matches and we believe that's a realistic target.

“That’s the message that the players have been given from the coaching staff and the players feel the same way.”