ESSEX cricket coach Paul Grayson has played down speculation linking the club with a move to re-sign Aussie leg spinner Bryce McGain.

The 38-year-old secured his first county deal with a short spell with Essex last season, and Echosport understands they are considering bringing him back.

The indications are that the club want an all-rounder for the early part of the season, but may consider bringing McGain in for the second part of the campaign.

One hurdle is that McGain is not playing state cricket for Victoria at the moment as they are continuing with their policy of blooding younger players.

McGain is still playing club cricket but Essex will want him playing state cricket so that he can hit the ground running if called upon.

Grayson said: “He did well for us last season, but at the moment we have not decided which overseas players we will be bringing in because we are not looking that far ahead.”

The release of the fixture list yesterday confirmed that Essex will open up the season with an LV= County Championship division two game at home to Kent on April 8.

Kent beat Essex in July, and they drew in May, as both sides were relegated from the top flight.

Grayson said: “They got the better of us last year so it will be a tough start for us. But we are at home and we will need to make that advantage count.”

He added: “There is plenty there for fans to look forward to. Our first away match is at Lord’s, and that is always special.

“And the twenty20 stuff starts in June, and we hope to have another good run in that next year.”

The Southend Cricket Festival at Garon Park will see Essex face Leicestershire in the County Championship between July 27 and 30, with Somerset the visitors for the Clydesdale Bank 40 fixture on July 31.