He's done it again. Grant Flower showed why he's such a valuable one-day player for Essex again today when he bagged his second century in three games in the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition against Gloucestershire.
Showing his customary mix of poise, intelligence and controlled aggression, Flower helped Essex out of a spot of bother when they were wobbling on 79 for three when Alastair Cook was dismissed to put on a record one day fourth wicket partnership of 166 with Ryan ten Doeschate (84).
That partnership helped Essex to a 42 run win, despite the efforts of the visitors' teenage bowler David Payne who took seven for 29, including a remarkable last over in which he took five wickets.
Essex could do with Flower's experience in the longer form of the game for the visit of Kent in the County Championship tomorrow. With the top order batsmen yet to find real consistency this season, a steady hand like Flower would be invaluable but alas he's only one-dayers for the county this season.
I'm not sure what Grant Flower does in between one day matches but he could easily spend a few hours in the Golden Fleece, Chelmsford without having to spend a penny. The pub and the Brentwood Brewing Company are sponsoring the Essex batsman to the tune of a pint per run scored this season. In three matches, Flower has accumulated 113, 29 and 116 meaning, by my calculations, he's entitled to 258 pints of beer. Well, playing cricket is thirsty work.
Meanwhile, over in the Caribbean Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara looks set to make his debut in the ICC World Twenty 2010 as Kevin Pietersen flies home for the birth of his first child. Bopara impressed with 62 runs from 49 balls in a warm-up game against Bangladesh and will be keen to show his credentials once again in England colours.
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