The Queenslander was eager to play in the four-day game against Hampshire, mindful of his early 143 against them last year. Perhaps he was tacitly taking the line of his overseas predecessor at Essex, Mark Waugh, who has commented this week on a lack of toughness and teamwork among England's cricketers.

Waugh, a batsman who averages 53.27 in 13 Tests against England, believed the result of the forthcoming Ashes series would be similar to 1993, when the Australians won 4-1.

He said in an interview: ``Since I've been playing England, we've won easily in every series. I look at the team on paper and think they're good players, but they aren't tough enough or hungry enough on the field. They don't play as a team, they worry about themselves. When you are out there, you don't feel that you've got 11 guys against you.

``They just haven't got that toughness you need to win Test cricket consistently. Man for man they are not that far behind us, but they lack hunger.''

He said England lacked a quality spinner, describing Phil Tufnell as ``a fairly weak sort of player, who relies on you to make a mistake.'' Despite his low opinion of Michael Atherton's team, Waugh added that England was the best place in the world to play the game, with its friendly, knowledgeable crowds, tradition and beautiful grounds.

Matthew Hayden, omitted from the Australian tour party, makes his Hampshire debut, and Danny Law, no relation to Stuart, could start his Essex career after making a close- season move from Sussex.

Leicestershire, rated as sixth favourites at 9-1 by Ladbrokes to retain their title, meet Gloucestershire, who are to open their attack with David Lawrence after an absence of five years since he cracked a knee-cap during England's New Zealand tour.

David Hemp, the England A left-hander, makes his debut for Warwickshire against Glamorgan, his old county, at Cardiff same place, different changing room.