His first full season at Essex was 2002, during which he scored 815 first-class runs; his 165 not out in the final match of the season[3] made a major contribution to Essex winning the second division of the County Championship.
His best season so far was 2004, in which he scored 1555 first-class runs at an average of 55.53 with 6 centuries including a high score of 222.[4] In 2005, a slump in form saw him relegated to the Essex Second XI, but he responded with 303 not out against MCC Young Cricketers,[5] and regained his place in the first team.
Before the start of the 2006 season, he suffered a freak accident, cutting his left wrist whilst trying to open a window, and severing the tendons.[6] After recovering from this injury, he failed to regain a regular place in the Essex side, and left the county by mutual consent in August 2006.[7] In September of that year, he signed a three-year contract with Nottinghamshire.[8]
In January 2007, he was selected for the England A team to tour Bangladesh in February and March.[9][10]
