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Andre Nel believes Essex have all the right ingredients to cook up a successful season.

The South African seamer left the county on Saturday to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) Mumbai Indians, for whom he will make his debut in tomorrow's clash with Kings XI Punjab.

However, the 30-year-old saw enough in his month-long third stint with the club to suggest that Essex will enjoy a successful 2008.

"I've been very surprised by the performances considering Essex has such a young side," said Nel.

"They are all very mature for their age, keen to do well and eager to learn - which speaks well for the future. I've tried to teach them as much as I know and hopefully that has benefited them.

"It's exciting for the club that this team is doing so well at such a young average age."

Essex have made an encouraging start to the season, topping the Friends Provident South/East Division and sitting third in LV County Championship Division Two, three points off the top with a game in hand on the teams above them.

And Nel, who took 13 wickets in seven matches, believes Mark Pettini's side could be celebrating come the season's end.

"If they can keep their confidence up and do the basics right then I think they have a very good chance of getting promotion in the championship," he added.

"I will also be very surprised if they don't win a one-day trophy.

"They have a good batting side so winning a trophy would be a good, and realistic, achievement."

A popular figure with the Essex supporters due to his aggressive, whole-hearted displays, Nel is also eyeing a return to the Ford County Ground later this summer.

Having been overlooked for South Africa's winter tour of India due to issues over the inclusion of non-white players.

Ironically, however, the match would only take place if Essex fail to reach the semi-finals of the Friends Provident Trophy.

"I feel fit and have bowled well during my time with Essex. I'm eager to return here with South Africa later in the summer and hopefully my stint with Essex will help me achieve that," Nel added.

"If not there are other opportunities but I want to come back and hopefully get a chance to play against Essex, which will be nice."

7:14am Tuesday 20th May 2008

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