Essex are presently engaged in a vital championship match with bottom of the table Gloucesershire at Castle Park, Colchester as they attempt to consolidate on their second position in the County Championship table.

With only four matches left, Ronnie Irani's men are superbly placed to win promotion with three of those matches to be staged in Essex.

They are just four point adrift of leaders Northamptonshire, which is their only remaining match in the competition outside the county, and the victory at Kidderminster last week allowed Essex to open up a 13 point gap over Worcestershire who have also played one more match.

On Sunday, Essex entertain Hampshire in the Norwich Union National League at Colchester.

While promotion is not yet out of the question, Essex will be counting on victory against their lowly opponents to keep alive their hopes of a promotion double at the end of the season.

Next Wednesday (August 23), marks a landmark day in the history of cricket in Essex when the county stage their first floodlit one-day league match.

The venue for this historic event is Castle Park, Colchester with the opposition provided by Surrey who are champions elect as they enjoy a healthy lead at the top of the Second Division in the Norwich Union National League.

The match starts at 4.10pm and the intention is to provide a colourful and exciting day with a host of entertainment for all the family.

In addition to the cricket, there will be music, a barbecue, the Essex Lights Dance Crew and the Spitfire Tigers Freefall Parachute Team.

Very few tickets are left for the game which has brought tremendous interest from cricket followers around Essex and the neighbouring counties with Essex's Acting Secretary Malcom Field confirming: "Reserved seats for the public have been completely sold out although there are still some unreserved seats available at the moment.

''Whilst we would hope to have some standing space available after the game commences, people might have to wait for some considerable time before being allowed entry.

''Ultimately, the decision rests with the police authorities and if they decide that for safety reasons, we cannot accommodate any more people, then their word is final.

''Interest in the match is such that I could envisage that the gate could be closed with a sell-out crowd. If people want to avoid disappointment, they should purchase a ticket in advance".

Prices are £10 for adults and £5 for juniors and seniors and can be ordered in advance during the current championship match with Gloucestershire or during Sunday's National League match with Hampshire by visiting the temporary club administration office at Castle Park.

Alternatively, tickets can be obtained by contacting the club on telephone hotline 01245 254010 or on-line tickets can be obtained at www.essecxcricket.org.uk

One player who is eagerly anticipating the first floodlight match staged by the county is Stuart Law who has already experienced these matches overseas.

Essex's Australian batsman said: "I've played in a number of games all around the world and it's good to see the English authorities trying to introduce the floodlit game over here.

''It's something different for a start, coloured clothing, a white ball, the floodlights and it does attract people to the game that don't usually turn up at the county scene.

''We even played some four day matches using lights where necessary back in Australia and that was a success from the point of view of attracting crowds".

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