I can’t recall how close I got to a hat-trick!

Most young cricketers take a few games to adapt to the rigours of first-class cricket, but not Sam Cook.

The fast bowler is yet to make his Essex debut but already has four first-class wickets to his name after playing two matches for Loughborough University last season – including a fine spell which saw him take two wickets in two balls against Kent.

The history student also took four wickets in a friendly against Leicestershire – including established stars Paul Horton, Neil Dexter and Mark Cosgrove.

The 19-year-old spent the rest of last year playing in Essex’s second XI and wants to make an even bigger splash this season, but will always remember that game against Kent as his breakthrough moment.

“It was something I did not expect. Sam Northeast was the batsman and he is another good player, so I was trying not to think about the fact I could take a hat-trick,” explained Cook.

“I wanted to just run in and hit the area like I had been doing. The ball was moving both ways and I can’t remember if he blocked it or left it – it is all a bit of a blur.

“Playing the first-class games was massive. I made my debut against Surrey at the Oval and it was a fantastic experience, something I will never forget.

“It was a very tough couple of days on a flat pitch. Rory Burns was my first wicket so I was pleased with that.

“Then came the Kent game and I picked up three wickets in the first innings, which included the two in two in just my second over.

“It was a bit overwhelming, and then we played Leicestershire where things got even better.”

Cook has been part of Essex’s academy since the U15s, but it was only two years later when he realised he had a good chance of a professional career.

His idol is James Anderson but the influence of Essex legends Graham Napier and David Masters also cannot be overstated.

Things are changing in Chelmsford this season, with the club back in Division One of the County Championship for the first time since 2010 but without Napier and Masters – stalwarts for much of the past decade.

A place in the team could appear for the fast-improving Cook, despite the arrival of international stars Mohammad Amir and Neil Wagner, and he is staying upbeat.

“We have got some terrific bowlers at the club and obviously signing those two means it is going to be tough,” added Cook.

“But you never know with injuries, all I can do is keep performing for the second team and Loughborough. Hopefully I get that chance.

“The standard does increase from Division Two but I think it is going to improve my game.”