Bowler, say, opener for Esssex can't stand (4)
I believe the answer is:
hate
'can't stand' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'bowler say opener for esssex' is the wordplay.
'bowler say' becomes 'hat' (bowler is a type of hat).
'opener for' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'esssex' is 'e'.
'hat'+'e'='HATE'
(Other definitions for hate that I've seen before include "Odium" , "Strong aversion" , "Dislike intensely" , "Abominate" , "Despise" .)