The 19-year-old answered his critics with a superb 93, but it was never going to be enough after Haverhill’s bowlers mis-fired in Bergholt’s innings, giving Dellar and his fellow batsmen a 362-run target for victory.

But that bowling attack could be drastically strengthened by the appearance of ex-England international Silverwood, who could be free of Middlesex duties this weekend.

Dellar said: “It would be a big boost (to have him), especially having another player who bowls with pace and has the ability to trouble the batsmen and get wickets.

“He’s also a top lad to have around the ground and in the dressing room as well because his advice is second to none.”

It would be a timely return for Silverwood, who hasn’t been able to play since June 6 because of commitments with Middlesex, after Haverhill’s bowlers were smashed for 361-4 at struggling East Bergholt, who had made 300 before their second wicket was taken.

“It was a bit of a disappointing loss to be fair,” said Dellar. “We were never really in the game from the start of the match.

“Bergholt just seemed really positive and up for it and nothing seemed to go our way.”

However, Haverhill started well and were up with the run rate for a time, until they began to run out of wickets and partners for the skipper, who ended a barren spell with 93.

“I felt good Saturday,” said Dellar, who will play for Cambridgeshire under 25s againast Lincolnshire under 25s at Ramsey on Friday. “When I got out I still had 15 overs to bat, so that was frustrating, but we kept losing wickets at crucial times and couldn’t get a partnership built.”

Haverhill host Maldon at Manor Road on Saturday with Silverwood in for unavailable batsman Sam Powell expected to be the only change.