Since the inception of the League, Essex have never finished lower than fourth and are led again by Brian Taylor, who has recently become an England selector.
Derbyshire, who came third in the League in 1970, are campaigning this year under a new captain, Brian Bolus.
During the tea interval at 4.10*: Profile of a Cricketer: Keith Fletcher (Essex and England) by Jim Laker
Frank Bough introduces the programme which includes news of today's other fixtures.
Commentators at the County Ground, Chelmsford, John Arlott and Jim Laker