Grayson's side are unbeaten in their opening two first-class matches

Coach Paul Grayson says he is pleased with the start his Essex side have made on their return to the top flight of the County Championship.

Essex opened up with a win against Hampshire and a draw at champions Durham, who were forced to follow on.

Grayson told BBC Essex: "We bowled well, our skill levels were good as was our intensity."

"Hopefully that's sent a little statement out to Division One that we mean business this year."

Essex are back in the top flight after a seven-year absence and clinched a thrilling victory over Hampshire claiming the win with the penultimate ball of the match.

They followed that up by forging a lead of 286 runs after the first innings of their match at Durham but were thwarted on the final day.

But Grayson has warned his squad against complacency.

"Two good performances don't make the season by any means, we need to keep pushing on and improving, confidence is very high at the moment," he said.

Essex host Lancashire in a four-day game, which starts on Wednesday, 21 April.

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