Essex have rung the changes for their four-day game with Kent, which began this afternoon.
Having won just one four-day game so far this term, coach Paul Grayson has shaken up the side with six changes from the draw with Glamorgan last week.
Three of them come in the top six, with Nick Browne replacing Jaik Mickleburgh at the top of the order, as well as places for the returning Ravi Bopara and Ryan ten Doeschate.
Greg Smith and Mark Pettini make way for them and there are three changes in the bowling department.
Monty Panesar is back in place of Tom Craddock after being left out over a time-keeping issue against Glamorgan.
And seamers David Masters and Tymal Mills are also in the side, in place of Reece Topley and Matt Salisbury.
Salisbury was listed in the original squad for the clash ahead of Tom Moore, but Moore instead retains his place and shared the new ball with Masters.
Grayson said: "Most of our top six have had ample opportunity and they've had a fair crack of the whip but Ravi and Ryan are now available and so a couple of our batters will drop out.
"Not enough of our lads have scored the runs to stay in the side when they have played and they know that.
"So we'll make changes and we have to move on. We've got an important couple of games coming up and we need to start stringing a run of winning form together.
"There are some players coming back from injury now and the return of Ryan and Ravi will boost our prospects."
