Cook had cause to regret North's decision to terminate the innings as Steve Magoffin soon struck when the Essex left-hander failed to cope with a bouncy delivery.
Will Jefferson has the ability to improve on last season's moderate figures, 20-year-old Mark Pettini is highly-regarded by Graham Gooch and England's decision to select Chris Read and Geraint Jones as their two wicket-keepers means Essex benefit from the availability of James Foster.
Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle announced his decision to retire from policing for personal reasons in November, but will continue to lead Essex Police until 3 May.