FORMER Essex hero Jaik Mickleburgh is poised to make his Frinton Cricket Club debut.

The 28-year-old batsman is available for Saturday’s Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League trip to Vauxhall Mallards.

Mickleburgh helped Essex win the Specsavers County Championship Division Two title in 2016.

However, he was not offered a new contract at the end of that season - therefore ending his nine-year affiliation with the county.

He spent last summer with fellow Premier League outfit Copdock and Old Ipswichian and joined Frinton in March.

Work commitments have prevented him being involved so far but Ashlyns Road skipper Kyran Young is looking forward to welcoming him into the fold on Saturday.

“Jaik’s coming in for his debut and we’re really excited to have him involved,” he told the Gazette.

“He’s going to be a big player for us this season – not just in terms of his runs but as an all-round package, because he’ll bring so much to the group and dressing room.

“Jaik’s been to some of our training sessions and spent time with the lads, although it’s been difficult because of his work commitments.

“He’s really looking forward to the challenge and showing everyone what he can do.”

Mickleburgh came through Essex’s academy and was named in their first-team squad ahead of the 2008 season.

He scored his debut first-class century of 174 off 388 balls, including 13 fours and a six, against Durham in April 2010.

In tandem with James Foster, it helped set a record fifth-wicket partnership for Essex of 339.

One of his brightest seasons at Essex came in 2013 when he finished as the county’s leading Championship run-scorer with 829 at an average of 41.45.

His most productive spell in county cricket also included a career-best 243 against Leicestershire.

Meanwhile, Young says his side have to sharpen up in the field - hopefully starting on Saturday.

He felt dropped catches cost his side victory in last weekend’s winning draw against Great Witchingham, at Ashlyns Road.

“Merv (Westfield) and Michael (Comber) bowled well but it was a missed opportunity,” said the Australian.

“Witchingham shut up shop and although we made a few inroads, missed catches proved so costly.

“It’s definitely an area for improvement because we’ve dropped a catch in every game so far.”

Frinton’s second team lost by five wickets at Witham, in division one of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

They batted first and made 200, but Witham reached 202 for five to take all 20 points.

Frinton host in-form Halstead on Saturday, with a 1pm start at Ashlyns Road.