ESSEX Cricket Club could be almost unrecognisable by the beginning of next season.

A big shake-up is under way at the County Ground which has already seen the departure of coach Paul Grayson and star young bowler Reece Topley leave for Hampshire.

Rumours are also rife that county championship skipper James Foster will also not be at the club next season.

Essex have denied coach Grayson handed in his resignation following his side’s One-Day quarter-final defeat to Hampshire last Thursday.

But Grayson was nowhere to be seen yesterday as Essex began their county championship game with Northamptonshire at Chelmsford.

Instead the team were led by Chris Silverwood, who has been the assistant head coach to Grayson.

The Times has reported that former England coach and Essex player Andy Flower has turned down the top job at Essex while his brother, Grant, and Paul Nixon are also in the running to replace Grayson.

Topley’s departure, meanwhile, was confirmed yesterday.

And Essex will wince at the reasons given by Topley’s father Don – an Essex legend himself – for his son’s departure, saying he could only further his international ambitions by moving elsewhere.

Topley will move at the end of the season but will not feature for Essex again.

Skipper Foster could also depart with the former England wicketkeeper reportedly considering offers outside the game