Essex Cricket’s Club Photographer Nick Wood was one of the lucky few who were fortunate enough to watch live cricket in 2020. In the latest version of ‘Through The Lens’, Nick looks back at some of his favourite pictures from a campaign like no other, which ended in glory at Lord’s.
Through The Lens: Nick Wood’s 2020 Season:
Essex fans all owe the players and staff a big thank you, 2020 was looking a complete write off as years go, but once again the Club and players delivered. Following the lads around and having the privilege of watching live sport was a great blessing but I felt an enormous sense of responsibility to capture the season and record the events that unfolded.
I have put together a selection of images that summarised the season for me, the strangest of seasons, sorely missing the fans but offering a sense of continuity. Strangely enough, the season offered new opportunities for me as a photographer whilst working within severely restrictive guidelines. I had the chance to sit in positions normally unattainable and witness unimagined scenes, I hope you enjoy them.
Sam Cook & Adam Wheater are awarded their County Caps during Day Three of the Bob Willis Trophy match between Essex and Surrey at Cloudfm County Ground on August 10.
New caps for Adam Wheater and Sam Cook. Both great guys, it was a great season for them both, but it has been really nice to see Adam get recognised for the brilliant player he is.
Jamie Porter of Essex celebrates taking the wicket of Grant Stewart during Essex vs Kent in the Bob Willis Trophy at The Cloudfm County Ground on August 3.
At home, I tend to sit at the Hayes Close End so don’t always get to enjoy Jamie Porter celebrating. I always moan at him to run towards me when he takes a wicket but this year I had the Tom Pearce upper all to myself and enjoyed every one of Jamie’s celebrations.
Simon Harmer appeals for the wicket of Thilan Walallawita during Day
Three of the Bob Willis Trophy match between Essex and Middlesex at The Cloudfm County Ground on September 8.
As the ground was empty I mounted a wide-angle camera on one of the stands and got some lovely shots with multiple players – the shot of Simon Harmer appealing with all the other players was a favourite.
Feroze Khushi of Essex celebrates scoring 50 runs during Essex vs Surrey in the Bob Willis Trophy at The Cloudfm County Ground on 8 August.
As expected, our established players did great but it was lovely to see new stars emerging and contributing. Special mentions to Feroze Khushi, Paul Walter and Aaron Beard.
Simon Harmer of Essex endures an ice bath following Essex vs Surrey in the Bob Willis Trophy at The Cloudfm County Ground on 9 August.
Alastair Cook of Essex looks skywards as the rain starts to fall again during Hampshire vs Essex in the Bob Willis Trophy at Arundel Castle Cricket Club on 23 August.
We had pretty extreme weather this year during games, early on it was roasting hot with some players opting for an ice bath whilst during the Hampshire game we had heavy rain. Watching Chef this year has felt very special (even in the rain), I have actually felt guilty. I think all Essex fans (and all cricket fans) need to appreciate what an absolute gem he is and make the most of the time we have to see him play. When the gates open again everyone should come and enjoy watching him bat, this year he was special – long may it continue.
Rory Burns of Surrey prepares to face the next ball during Surrey vs Essex Eagles in the Vitality Blast at The Kia Oval on 30 August.
Full PPE for Essex Lead Physiotherapist Chris Clarke-Irons whilst apple munching during Essex vs Middlesex in the Bob Willis Trophy at The Cloudfm County Ground on 7 September.
Paul Walter of Essex throws the ball back onto the field from the rows of empty seats during Somerset vs Essex in the Bob Willis Trophy Final at Lord’s on 24 September.
Empty grounds have proved a challenge to shoot – I enjoy a clean background when taking match shots and what you don’t need is the Club Physio to come and spread himself out in the background (especially when he has the choice of any seat in the ground). Having said that, CCI takes his job and the players safety very seriously and he won’t even eat an apple without the right PPE on. On a serious note, the grounds have been run with tight guidelines and players safety in mind at all times, even media day lead to socially distanced team photos. Empty grounds have also been a challenge for the players with them regularly having to scamper into the seats looking for lost balls.
Tom Westley of Essex waits to collect the Bob Willis Trophy after Somerset vs Essex at Lord’s on 27 September.
The Bob Willis Trophy Final itself was a great event and I am so pleased for Tom that he got to lift a trophy so early in his captaincy. As Essex fans, we are lucky to have such a great team and I have a feeling we are all going to enjoy watching Tom lift a few more trophies in years to come.
About Unshaken Photography:
Nick runs courses across the region for people with a range of ability, so book your place and get more from your cameras when taking photos. Locations for the courses include The Cloudfm County Ground in Chelmsford, Cambridge, Maidstone or St Albans.
Courses cover the basics for beginners, portraits, landscapes and even sport, so if you fancy improving your photography get in touch with Nick at [email protected], by phone on 01245 494258 or by visiting www.unshaken-photography.co.uk.
Essex fans and Members can also secure a 10% discount for their courses by quoting EAGLES10 when making a booking.
