Essex played their first county match at the Leyton ground on 15 and 16 June 1885 against Surrey. Surrey won by an innings, with Walter Read scoring 214. Essex were not a first-class county at the time and the match did not carry first-class status.
Essex participated in their inaugural county match at the Leyton grounds on 15 and 16 June 1885 against Surrey. Surrey emerged victorious by an innings, with Walter Read scoring 214. Essex were not a first-class county team at that time, and the match did not receive first-class status.