ESSEX have received a massive boost on the eve of tonight’s Twenty20 visit to Sussex Sharks.

For the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) have given permission for the Eagles’ England One-Day international and Test star Ravi Bopara to be available for selection for the game, which starts at 7.10pm and will be shown live on SkySports.

This means that the Eagles will be flying with a near full-strength squad to select from.

Also, with the likes of Bopara, Alastair Cook, Graham Napier and James Foster all at their disposal it’s no surprise that the first home Twenty20 clash against Surrey Brown Caps (7pm at the Ford County Ground, Chelmsford, tomorrow) is already a complete sell-out.

Essex are particularly keen to get into full flow quickly tonight and tomorrow as their opening Twenty20 match at Kent on Bank Holiday Monday was wrecked by the weather.

But those wishing to see Essex, who made the semi-finals last year, in home Twenty20 action will have to move fast.

For, apart from tomorrow night’s sellout, reserved seats for all of the four remaining fixtures at the County Ground are going quickly — with none left at all for the final clash against Hampshire Hawks on Sunday, June 28, with a 2.30pm start.

For all evening home games, which starts at 7pm as there is no TV coverage, gates open at 5pm.

Other home dates are against Kent Spitfires (Monday, June 1), Sussex Sharks (Wednesday June 3) and Middlesex Panthers (Monday, June 22).

Gates for the June 28 fixture will open at 12.30pm.

To purchase tickets visit www.essexcricket.org.uk or call the ticket office on 01245 254010.

Personal callers can visit the County Ground ticket office or the new Essex cricket shop in High Chelmer, Chelmsford, which is open seven days a week.

>For a report on tonight’s match log on to: www.echo-news.co.uk/sport