Essex County Cricket Club are delighted to announce the signing of Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams for the 2022 Vitality Blast campaign. Sams will be available for the Eagles upon completion of his stint in the IPL, which is due to culminate on May 29.
29-year-old Sams, a tall left-arm quick and big-hitting batter, has risen to prominence in recent years, with three of his seven international T20 appearances coming in Sri Lanka’s tour of Australia last month.
After signing for Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) in 2018, he has become a leading figure in a strong team, helping turn the franchise’s fortunes around. The Thunder have reached the finals of the Big Bash in three out of four seasons since Sams’ arrival, having only reached the finals once out of the previous seven.
Sams’ tally of 75 wickets makes him Sydney Thunder’s all-time leading wicket-taker and his 30 wickets in BBL09 was more than any other bowler. He also boasts a T20 high score of 98 not out, an innings of just 44 balls which included seven 4s and eight 6s.
His next appearance on the world stage will be in the Indian Premier League where he’ll turn out for Mumbai Indians, who signed him after a bidding war against Lucknow Super Giants.
On his signing for the Eagles, Sams said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of Essex Eagles for the T20 Blast this season.
“It is exciting to join a Club with such a long and rich history and I look forward to joining the players, coaching staff and supporters and contributing on and off the field to the team’s success.”
Head Coach, Anthony McGrath commented: “I’m very pleased to secure the signing of Dan for the upcoming Vitality Blast campaign.
“He’s such a versatile player and has consistently been one of the top performers in the Big Bash in recent years.
“His left-arm angle is so effective in T20 cricket, but he also possesses an excellent change of pace which makes him a real handful. He will also add some firepower to our batting unit, and he hits a long ball.”
Essex Cricket CEO & Interim Chair, John Stephenson added: “Dan is a player of great pedigree and Anthony, along with the rest of his team, were very keen to get him in for the Blast campaign.
“We’re looking to improve on last year’s performance in the shortest format and adding Dan to the squad will help give impetus to the progression of our T20 side.”
Tickets
Tickets are on general sale for the 2022 Vitality Blast. Ticket prices for adults start from £25 and if you wish to attend every home T20 fixture, Blast Passes are available from £150. Click here to buy tickets.
