Essex head coach Paul Grayson admits the club are down to the bare bones in bowling resources ahead of the trip to Gloucestershire which starts tomorrow.
Essex batted their way to a rain-affected draw against Surrey on Wednesday, and Grayson admitted the injury worries prevented them from a declaration on the final day.
Reece Topley is still a few weeks away with his back injury, and he has been joined on the injury list by Saj Mahmood and Matt Salisbury.
That leaves just veterans David Masters and Graham Napier as well as Tymal Mills, and they will be part of an unchanged side at Bristol.
"Overall, I'm very pleased with our performances in the first two games," Grayson said. "There is a good mood in the camp and everyone is very positive.
"We achieved a good win against Derbyshire and then got 11 points from the draw with Surrey. Obviously losing a day to the weather affected the chances of a positive outcome although we did consider a declaration at tea on the last day.
"But at the moment, we have only got three fit fast bowlers on the staff. Reece Topley, Saj Mahmood and Matt Salisbury are all injured so with the bigger picture of another four-day game ahead starting with Gloucestershire on Sunday, we decided to bat on.
"Reece is making progress from his stress fracture injury and the target is for him to be fit for the opening NatWest T20 Blast game at Lord's next month."
And Grayson hopes his side can build on their good start against Gloucestershire.
"It will be the same team that played against Surrey," he added. "We have a few niggles and injuries amongst the squad at the moment and our resources are getting a little bit stretched.
"Gloucestershire are a good side, especially at Bristol, but I'm pleased at the way we've started the season with a win and a draw so looking forward to the challenge.
"Surrey are a very good side and there were some good cricketers on show in that game and I would expect them to be there or thereabouts at the end of the year when it comes to promotion."
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