James Franklin to deal with Essex expectation

New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin says he can cope with the expectancy as Essex's only overseas player in this season's FLt20.

The 31-year-old, who is set to make his Eagles debut at Surrey on Wednesday, told BBC Essex: "That's my job. I've got that level of expectancy on myself.

"If I can do that and contribute to wins, then that's what I'm paid to do."

Franklin arrived after Australian Peter Siddle withdrew through injury and a move for Shakib Al Hasan fell through.

The former Glamorgan and Gloucestershire man is in the middle of a busy schedule having just returned from Indian Premier League duty but says he has no problem with that.

"It can get a little bit frustrating at times, but I'm not playing cricket forever," he added.

"Now I'm in my thirties, the end is coming soon, so I've got to try and make the most of it."

There is ball-by-ball commentary of every Essex match in the FLt20 on BBC Essex 729 and 1530MW, DAB, and at bbc.co.uk/essex