Essex vs Warwickshire – Test Match Preview (29 July 2025)

Date: 29 July 2025
Time: 11:00 GMT
Format: Test Match
Venue: Chelmsford, Essex
Expected Predicted Score: 371
Predicted Runs: 360
Average Match Score (Last 10 Matches): 748.2

As the 2025 County Championship season reaches a pivotal stage, the clash between Essex and Warwickshire promises to be an intriguing encounter. With both sides vying for crucial points in the table, this Test match at Chelmsford is expected to be a battle of skill, strategy, and endurance.

Head-to-Head History

The rivalry between Essex and Warwickshire is a closely contested one, with both teams having tasted victory in recent encounters. The most recent Test match between the two in September 2024 saw Essex clinch a dominant innings and 40-run victory, but Warwickshire bounced back in July 2024 with a 7-wicket win with 14 balls to spare. The historical data shows that both teams have had their moments, but the last few meetings have seen a shift in momentum, with Essex having emerged in dominant form in 2024.

League Position and Form

Warwickshire currently sit in 4th place with 136 points, having enjoyed a consistent season with 3 wins from 10 matches. Essex, on the other hand, are in 7th with 112 points, having won 2 of their 10 matches. However, their recent home performance has been mixed, with a notable innings and 39-run win over Sussex on 22 July, but also a 10-wicket loss to Yorkshire at home.

Warwickshire, despite their mid-table position, have shown commendable consistency on the road, with a 5-wicket win over Worcestershire on 22 July and a 1-wicket victory against Durham in April.

Recent Form Analysis

Essex's Last 6 Matches (All Formats):

• 22/07/2025: Essex beat Sussex by an innings and 39 runs
• 29/06/2025: Yorkshire beat Essex by 10 wickets
• 22/06/2025: Essex vs Hampshire – Result not specified
• 16/05/2025: Worcestershire vs Essex – Result not specified
• 09/05/2025: Yorkshire vs Essex – Result not specified
• 02/05/2025: Somerset beat Essex by 3 wickets

Warwickshire's Last 6 Matches (All Formats):

• 22/07/2025: Warwickshire beat Worcestershire by 5 wickets
• 29/06/2025: Warwickshire vs Sussex – Result not specified
• 22/06/2025: Somerset vs Warwickshire – Result not specified
• 23/05/2025: Warwickshire vs Worcestershire – Result not specified
• 16/05/2025: Hampshire vs Warwickshire – Result not specified
• 09/05/2025: Warwickshire vs Surrey – Result not specified

Warwickshire’s recent away form has been impressive, with a 5-wicket win over Worcestershire and a 1-wicket win over Durham in April. Essex, while not in the best of form, have shown signs of recovery, particularly in their recent innings win over Sussex.

Home vs Away Form

Essex at Home (Last 6 Matches):

• 29/06/2025: Yorkshire beat Essex by 10 wickets
• 22/06/2025: Essex vs Hampshire – Result not specified
• 02/05/2025: Somerset beat Essex by 3 wickets
• 18/04/2025: Essex vs Worcestershire – Result not specified

Warwickshire on the Road (Last 6 Matches):

• 22/07/2025: Warwickshire beat Worcestershire by 5 wickets
• 22/06/2025: Somerset vs Warwickshire – Result not specified
• 16/05/2025: Hampshire vs Warwickshire – Result not specified
• 02/05/2025: Warwickshire beat Yorkshire by 5 wickets
• 11/04/2025: Warwickshire beat Durham by 1 wicket
• 04/04/2025: Sussex vs Warwickshire – Result not specified

Warwickshire’s ability to perform well on the road will be crucial in this match, especially given Essex’s recent home struggles. However, the home team has a chance to bounce back and claim a vital win to climb up the table.

Key Players to Watch

• Essex:

  • Ravi Bopara – A seasoned all-rounder expected to play a pivotal role with both bat and ball.
  • Ollie Pope – The young wicketkeeper-batsman has been in good form and could prove decisive in the batting department.

• Warwickshire:

  • Jonathan Trott – The experienced opener is likely to anchor the innings.
  • Jack Leach – A key spinner who could exploit any turn in the Chelmsford pitch.
  • Harry Brook – A dynamic middle-order batsman who can accelerate the scoring when needed.

Venue and Pitch Conditions

Chelmsford has historically offered a good balance between batting and bowling, with a slight edge to the pace bowlers in the early stages. However, as the match progresses, the pitch tends to offer some assistance to spinners. The weather forecast for 29 July indicates mostly clear skies, which is ideal for a Test match.

Prediction & Match Outlook

This Test match is expected to be a closely fought contest. Essex, with the home advantage and the momentum from their recent innings win over Sussex, will be confident. However, Warwickshire’s strong away record and consistent performances suggest they are a tough proposition.

Predicted Winner: Essex by 50 runs
Predicted Total Score: 371
Predicted Runs: 360

Upcoming Fixtures to Watch

• 09 August 2025: Essex vs Somerset
• 15 August 2025: Warwickshire vs Essex (Season finale)
• 24 August 2025: Essex vs Durham

Stay tuned for updates and live coverage as the battle between Essex and Warwickshire unfolds at Chelmsford on 29 July 2025.
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