The Ashes will be on display at the Ford County Ground today as Essex host Hampshire Hawks in the Natwest Pro40.

A replica of the historic trophy – which is not allowed to leave Lord’s – will be in the Museum from 2.30pm until the end of play.

Visiting ten counties throughout September, the Ashes Urn Tour gives fans the opportunity to get up close and see the official replica urn that Andrew Strauss held aloft at the Brit Oval with the triumphant England team at the end of the npower Ashes Series.

Fans will also have the chance to find out the history of the urn with the curator of the MCC Museum as well as watch the highlights from the npower Ashes Series and hear the thoughts of the team on their victory.

Meanwhile, Essex will be in action on the pitch, with the floodlit encounter beginning at 4.40pm.

Skipper Mark Pettini has been named in the 14-man squad and could return to action after missing the LV County Championship division two clash with Leicestershire because of slipped discs in his back.

Graham Napier, who also missed the Leicestershire match because of injury, is also in the squad but Essex may choose to rest him with the club approaching a crunch period in the county championship as they seek promotion to division one.

Alastair Cook is available, but Ravi Bopara is on international duty with England.

l During the tea interval the Essex Cricket Best Ever XI (post-war) will be presented to the crowd.

The judging panel consists of Essex legends Doug Insole and Keith Fletcher