Essex were condemned to a heavy defeat by MCC in Barbados.

Anthony McGrath’s side lost by an innings and 34 runs in the Champion County match, which was held at Bridgetown’s Kensington Oval.

And Nick Browne, who top scored for Essex in their first innings with 48, said it was a disappointing result for the county champions.

“It was disappointing,” he said. “We found ways to get out on a slow wicket. It was good for the batters to have a hit and play a proper game and it is good experience for the new guys as well. We have hit a lot of balls and getting everyone together to socialise is massively important.

“We have to put the result to one side now and we are looking for that perfect performance at Yorkshire when the season starts.”

Aron Nijjar was the first man to lose his wicket, for 20 runs, off the bowling of Dominic Bess.

Tom Westley scored 32 runs before being sent back to the pavilion by former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood.

Nick Browne and Dan Lawrence notched 48 and 23 runs respectively, while wicketkeeper James Foster scored 34 runs.

Essex were all out for 187 in the first innings, while MCC declared on 408/8 thanks to a Bess century and Sam Hain’s unbeaten ton.

Lawrence claimed two of the wickets, while Jamie Porter, Matt Coles, Aaron Beard, Callum Taylor, Nijjar and Westley took one scalp each.

Bess notched figures of 6-51 in the second innings as Essex were all out for 187 once again.

Westley, who has returned from a broken finger injury, top scored with 62 runs. Nijjar was the only other Essex batsman to score as many as 30 runs.