Grayson proud of promoted Essex

Coach Grayson paid tribute to the contribution of spinner Danish Kaneria

Essex coach Paul Grayson praised his players after they sealed promotion to Division One of the County Championship with a five-wicket win over Derbyshire.

He told BBC Essex: "I feel so proud of the players. They've worked so hard, going back to March and the pre-season.

"There's a great spirit and I've said for a while that we have a squad that, if we could get into Division One, may have a chance of competing next year."

Saturday's win puts Essex into the top flight for the first time since 2003.

"I think in the last month to six weeks our cricket has been excellent and I can't praise our players enough," Grayson added.

"They've worked so hard and they don't give me any problems at all.

Essex's path to second place behind Division Two champions Kent followed a run of four wins and two draws from their final six games.

Grayson highlighted a number of key reasons for their late-season run.

"I think this year we're believed we could play a bit more four-day cricket," he said.

"I think in the past some of the guys have just thought we were a good one-day side.

"But believe me, from the start of the season it was always my intention that we'd get up this year in the Championship.

"I think the Middlesex game us confidence, but you can't forget what a big impact Danish Kaneria has had on us as well," he added.

"He's been outstanding in this second half of the season.

"He's absolutely brilliant for us, he's one of us, has been with us for a number of years and hopefully will be coming back next year and the year after that."