Browne eager for more One-Day Cup opportunities
Nick Browne hit 75 off 90 balls against Warwickshire on Wednesday
- Published
Essex opener Nick Browne is hoping for a far greater involvement in this summer's One-Day Cup after scoring 75 in their opening game of the 2024 competition.
Browne only made one appearance in the 50-over format last summer - and has only played 27 List A matches since his first in 2015.
Essex lost by seven wickets to Warwickshire at Chelmsford after they chased down a target of 325, thanks to an unbeaten 173 off 140 balls by Ed Barnard.
"I thought we got a decent score, but with relatively small boundaries, someone could potentially have a day out like Barnard did - he played brilliantly, so hats off to him," Browne, 33, told BBC Essex Sport.
"I've always wanted to play. I haven't quite had the opportunities I'd have liked in recent years, but it's about knocking on the door and trying to grab an opportunity when it comes.
"Luckily I've been given an opportunity and long may I keep going."
Essex have not won a 50-over trophy since beating Kent by five wickets in the final of the 2008 FP Trophy.
They won only one of their eight group games in last summer's One-Day Cup and finished bottom of their group, but Browne expects them to bounce back strongly from the defeat by Warwickshire.
He and skipper Tom Westley are the older heads in a youthful top order, which includes Charlie Allison and Luc Benkenstein, who made 69 and 44 and shared a stand of 70 in 10 overs against the Bears.
"I tried to anchor the innings then Charlie came out and played really well, he struck the ball lovely and so did Luc - he struck it as well as anyone in the day," Browne added.
"It's up to myself, Tom and Feroze (Kushi) to take the weight of batting in an innings, setting it up almost, and letting these explosive lads come out and whack it.
"They're still learning and they're gutted we haven't won the game - but we played some good cricket and we will play good cricket throughout the tournament."
Essex next meet Gloucestershire in Bristol on Sunday.