Essex head coach Paul Grayson has issued an apology for his side's performance against Northamptonshire last week.
Grayson's men have slumped to the foot of the LV= County Championship Division Two standings after being beaten by an innings inside three days at Wantage Road.
The visitors made 183 all out in their first innings, and despite reducing the home side to 171-8, tail-enders David Willey, Steven Crook and Trent Copeland took their total to 399.
And, needing 216 to make the home side bat again, the visitors came up nine runs short as they were bowled out for 207.
Grayson was too angry to speak to the media after the game, but has today (Monday) issued a statement apologising for the performance – and vowing to make changes for next week's visit of Hampshire.
"As Head Coach, I feel that I wish to publicly express my apologies to all Members and supporters for the shambolic performance produced by the Essex players that resulted in an innings defeat at Northamptonshire last week.
"At one stage on day two with only two first innings wickets intact, our opponents were still trailing by 12 runs but by the time the final two wickets had been claimed, they had forged a lead of 216 runs.
"We then generally batted poorly to add to the obvious shortcomings in the bowling department all resulting in a defeat by a highly embarrassing margin.
"I feel that it is right that our Members and supporters should be aware that the players have been told in no uncertain terms that their performance, as a team, was totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"I can assure you that changes will be made for the next match that starts on Monday week against Hampshire at Chelmsford.
"I feel that it is important to stress to our our Members and supporters that I, and the coaching staff, will continue to do everything in our powers to bring success to this club but the players have, of course, a major part to play if that desire we hold is to be realised.
"The coaching staff have every confidence in the potential of the squad and we will continue to all work together to get our season back on track."
