The Essex squad are today departing for a two-week pre-season tour in Abu Dhabi as preparations for the 2024 campaign ramp up.
Facilities in the United Arab Emirates’ capital will play host to the Eagles until 24 March, during which time the Eagles will play five days of competitive cricket against other travelling first-class counties.
Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, and Yorkshire are the other four English sides making the journey, while a side representing Abu Dhabi – which will also feature Essex players – will also take part in some matches.
A three-day T20 festival involving all six teams is scheduled for 15 – 17 March, before the Eagles play a two-day red-ball match against Somerset on 22 and 23 March.
Anthony McGrath’s squad will also have the opportunity to continue sharpening their skills and fitness as the season draws closer, with five further days given over to training and gym sessions.
The group will arrive back in the UK just under two weeks before the start of the new County Championship campaign, with a visit to Trent Bridge first on the agenda for Essex.
The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground
Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex are back in shortest-format action in Chelmsford from Sunday 02 June.
With over 20,000 tickets sold and one Friday night fixture already packed out, demand is running high, so there’s no time to waste to secure the best seats as the Eagles aim to go one better in 2024.
Sunday 02 June, 4:00pm: Essex v Middlesex – buy here
Friday 07 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Friday 14 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Sussex Sharks – SOLD OUT
Thursday 20 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Hampshire Hawks – buy here
Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here
