Breezy in Southend

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. There has been overnight rain upon Southend but not enough, I would think, to delay the start of play at Garon Park.

It is a cloudy morning with a stiff breeze which will keep the weather moving so there could be showers.

Last time Warwickshire played a championship match in Southend, KD Smith carried his bat. Warwickshire need to display such resolve if they are to record a win which would just preserve a sliver of a chance of them avoiding relegation.

Essex captain James Foster, meanwhile, his side sucked back into the relegation picture by last week's defeat to Kent, has said: "This is a huge match for us and one we need to win."