Lion-hearted Ronnie Irani bit the bullet and played through the pain barrier in the annual Colchester cricket festival at Castle Park.

The injury-hit Essex skipper was determined to lead from the front and play a captain's role yesterday (Wednesday) - even though he was popping pain-killers and playing with an ankle heavily strapped.

Irani severly damaged ligaments in the ankle while bowling the county to victory in last week's thrilling ten-wicket win at Worcester.

And with his eyes firmly fixed on winning the Championship's Division Two title, he said before the game on Tuesday: "With Essex currently going so well in runners-up spot and only four games to play, nothing's going to stop me playing.

"I'll be strapping up the ankle, popping the pain-killers and biting the bullet to see me through.

"We have to think promotion is on - both in the Championship and the one-day National League. I'll be looking for wins over both Gloucestershire in the four-day game and Hampshire on Sunday to set up next Wednesday's historic floodlit clash with Surrey.

"I urge every fan in the county to rally round and support us to keep the future of our festival cricket safe. If the club's members and fans want festival cricket they have got to come along and support it.

"We, in turn, must achieve the right results this summer and it would be a perfect end to the week if Essex moved to the top of the table for the first time.

"We've got to go out and grab it and make sure it happens."

Essex are without Nasser Hussain because of his England duties, Mark Ilott (hamstring) and Darren Robinson (fractured finger).

The week starts with the four-day game against Gloucestershire, who on Monday beat Lancashire in the NatWest Trophy semi-finals to set a new record four straight appearances in Lord's one-day cup finals.

Irani added: "Gloucester is a big game for us and, although they are currently bottom of the Division Two table, their side is packed with good players.

"Jack Russell, Mark Alleyne, Mike Smith, Kim Barnet, Matthew Windows and Tim Hancock are all top quality.

"Although Hampshire will be without Aussie leg-spinner Shane Warne on Sunday, they do have Robin Smith and, of course, former Essex favourite John Stephenson.

"We all love Colchester week and I can promise the fans some great action."

High roller - Castle Park groundsman Simon Lawrence prepares the wicket for Colchester Cricket Week

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