Essex head coach Anthony McGrath is determined not to follow in the footsteps of Middlesex this season.

McGrath, 42, knows the two sides to the season after the season before.

In 2001 he was a member of the champion Yorkshire team who were relegated the following year.

Conversely, three years ago, he was coaching at Yorkshire when they won back-to-back titles.

And he is equally aware of what happened to Middlesex in 2017 as they went from champions to Division Two in 12 months.

McGrath, who is currently in Barbados putting the finishing touches to Essex’s County Championship opener against Yorkshire on April 13, said: “I think to win this league you do so many good things. It’s silly to ignore them. So what we’ve got to do is focus on what we did well and then, obviously, improve on what we didn’t do well. If we do that I’m confident we can become competitive in each form.”

So what is the difference in stepping up from assistant coach to head honcho? “You’re never off the phone,” McGrath laughs, continuing to list: “Emails, meetings, a lot more planning, agents, don’t see the missus as much, that kind of stuff. But I knew what the extra responsibilities were; they go with the territory.

“I like to be hands-on, and I like to be out there in the nets. That was my main reason for getting into coaching. There will be some off-the-field stuff I’ll have to do, but once the cricket starts it takes care of itself. I’ve enjoyed it since I’ve taken over, so I’ve no complaints.”

>Springfield Hospital, Essex’s official medical partner, assisted 2018 preparations by screening the players for any signs of sun damage or skin cancer.

Essex Cricket head of athlete development Chris Clarke-Irons said: “Screenings are vital in ensuring the squad’s health.”