Graeme Hick will have a point to prove as his Worcestershire side travel to Chelmsford for this week's Benson and Hedges semi-final with Essex. He may be aged nearer 40 than 30, but Hick has made it clear that he hasn't given up on an England one-day spot. There would be no better place to showcase his talent that at the ground that Nasser Hussain can occasionally call home.

The game is probably the more intriguing semi-final, with Lancashire's meeting with Warwickshire very much a big-guns clash. Both Worcestershire and Essex have potentially explosive players, and are similar teams. It would be a foolish man to bet too heavily on either side.

Of all the teams who have reached the semi-finals, it was Essex who made the smoothest progress. Unbeaten in the group stages, they secured a home quarter-final. Hussain struck an imperious, flamboyant 136 in a comprehensive victory over Yorkshire. Skipper Ronnie Irani has been in good all-round form throughout the summer, and is eminently capable of turning matches.

Worcestershire's B&H campaign began disastrously. In the shortest match in the tournament's history, they were skittled for 70 on a typical early-season New Road pitch. Suitably shame-faced, and keen not to embark on a recurring nightmare, they won all of their remaining group games. Vikram Solanki made an impression with the bat, while Andy Bichel was his usual effervescent self. Stephen Peters and Ben Smith both appeared to settle in well, with youngster Kabir Ali leading the way with the ball. The 21-year-old has pace and swings the ball late, and is one of the season's most successful bowlers. Kabir picked up three wickets in Worcestershire's quarter-final rout over Gloucestershire. Ironically, it was Kabir's ineligibility that cost Worcestershire their place in last year's competition, to Gloucester's benefit.

With Hussain back and Andy Flower due big runs, Essex's batting looks solid. Their bowling is a little one-dimensional, though Ashley Cowan's mix of ccuracy and nip is always a danger. With Bichel back in Australia, Worcestershire's search for a temporary overseas player has proved fruitful. Allan Donald, playing league cricket in Birmingham, bolsters the bowling attack for two weeks.

Both sides have had success in the B&H Cup. Essex won a one-sided final in 1998, while Worcestershire won at Lord's in 1991.

The Chelmsford wicket is invariably excellent, and Essex will be aware of the need for their batsmen to shine. It is also the perfect place for Hick. An exceptional performance at Chelmsford just might get Hick one more chance at the big time.

© CricInfo Ltd.