Essex County Cricket Club’s first team were at the Blues’ Playford Road training ground this morning as they prepare for their 2015 season.
The Essex squad spent time with the Town U21s with the senior players having been given the day off following last night’s 1-0 victory over Bolton.
The likes of Reece Topley, Jaik Mickleburgh and Tom Westley were amongst those to cross the border into Suffolk but England captain Alastair Cook, his international team-mate Ravi Bopara and New Zealand international Jesse Ryder are not currently with the squad.
Former Town chief executive Derek Bowden now works in a similar role at Essex, who are coached by Paul Grayson, the brother of Preston manager Simon.
Essex previously spent time training at Playford Road back in 2005 when Joe Royle was Town manager.