Essex captain Mark Pettini 'happy to be back' from rest

Pettini returned to the Essex side after a five match absence

Essex captain Mark Pettini believes he has benefited from his two-week break away from the game.

Pettini marked his return to the side by scoring a quickfire 59 in the Eagles' t20 defeat at home to Sussex.

The 26-year-old was given time off by the club after experiencing a difficult start to the season.

He told BBC Essex: "It was nice to get back on the cricket field and score some runs, obviously it's a shame about the result."

The club captain said that he felt he had needed those few weeks away from the game.

"We've had a very hectic schedule and obviously things weren't going quite as well as we'd have like to and I just felt the need for a couple of weeks off" he said.

"[First team coach] Paul Grayson has kept me away this week as well and got me even more keen to play, so I was very happy to be back."

Pettini added he had completely removed himself from the game, and only watched the Essex games on television.

"It's not often you get a break from cricket and obviously I was still supporting the lads, but I felt it best to leave them to it".

Despite Tuesday's defeat, Pettini said he remained confident Essex could bounce back and qualify in the top four of the South Group.