Finally, for now, let's look at some stats. First of all how are the Essex boyz performing?
Batting wise the top order are really doing some good work with Westley, Bopara and Lawrence all averaging in the 40s and that'll be coz they are the only other guys (apart from Browne) with hundreds this season grabbing two each. Adam Wheater also is averaging a smidge over 40 which is pretty decent considering he bats at 7 and has 5 50s to his name. Most disappointed will be Chops and Tendo who have struggled at times this season with only 3 50s to their name and averaging in the low 20s. Simon Harmer can bat but hasn't (until the Kent game where he got that 61) delivered much of note. More expected from him please. The tail, has been the tail. Weirdly Westley has been our most prolific six hitter followed by Bops who has been the king of dealing in 4s. Ravi's strike rate is pretty juicy too.
Bowling wise Porter has been leading the attack well with Sam Cook absolutely chipping in as well. They're quite the opening pair. Tendo, will again be slightly disappointed by his returns but his bowling is a lot better than his batting. Ravi has chipped in with 12 useful wickets as well with Westley and Lawrence part-timing their way to a handy few too.
How does this compare with the rest of everyone?
Nick Browne may not go Daddy but he just churns 'em out scoring 190 runs more than Somerset's Steve Davies who tops the batting averages of those who aren't a God. Loving the number of balls faced compared to everyone else but Browne's strike-rate is probably a little high so it's something he'll have to work on. Marnus on the list despite Glamorgan's low position is a testament to his raging against the dying of the light. Telling that between the top two, who haven't lost a game all season, there is only Browne in the top batsmen list. Food for thought...
The top two have one bowler each in the top bowlers with Ports currently 3rd in the wicket-taking list and Matt Critchley popping his head up too. Trevaskis and Crane showing why Durham and Hants are top 6 material while Bew Twohig is probably the other surprising or interesting name up there.
So there we have it. After 9 games the stats leaders play for most of the 3rd-6th teams while the top two are just going quietly about their jobs.