ANTHONY McGrath says Essex Eagles have to maintain their high standards in 50-over cricket if they are to reach the One-Day Cup semi-final today.

The Essex head coach labelled the 153 run win against Kent Spitfires ‘the nearest you will get to a perfect performance in one-day cricket’.

And the Eagles head into the play-off match against Yorkshire Vikings brimming with confidence after three consecutive wins in the competition.

Alastair Cook returns to the squad to bolster the batting ranks and McGrath - who spent 17 years at Yorkshire as a player - believes his side have found form at the right time heading into a crucial encounter at The Cloudfm County Ground.

“We had been a bit inconsistent earlier on in the competition but those last three matches have seen us really get our act together,” he said.

“The win over Kent Spitfires was probably the nearest you will get to a perfect performance in one-day cricket.

“Now we have to carry that level into the tie with Yorkshire, who are a good side, and we know the standards we have to achieve if we want continue in the competition.

“It’s a bonus to have a home tie and to have the majority of the crowd behind us but whoever and wherever you play; you know you are going to be in for a tough game.

“Every team in the play-offs knows that you are only two wins from a Lord’s final, that’s the incentive for all of us, not only the players but all the staff and supporters and hopefully, we can take everyone one step closer to that Lord’s final.”

The Eagles will be without captain Ryan ten Doeschate, who is suspended for the next two matches after an incident in the Lancashire County Championship game.

Eagles Head Coach McGrath added: “Obviously it’s a bitter blow to lose Ryan who has led the side superbly ever since assuming the captaincy. I’m really disappointed for him because I know how passionate he is about leading the side and bringing success to the Club.

“But now we have to now plan for the next two matches without him.”

Essex Eagles squad: Westley, Wheater, Bopara, Chopra, Coles, A Cook, S Cook, Harmer, Lawrence, Porter, Quinn, Wagner, Zaidi