Overseas all-rounder Daniel Sams will now be available for Essex’s full Vitality Blast campaign in 2024, including any possible knockout games.
Originally, Sams’ third stint with the Eagles was set to take in eight group stage games, plus any potential knockout matches, owing to the Australian’s pre-existing commitments to other leagues.
However, he will now be available for selection for all of Essex’s matches, including the six group stage games he was originally set to miss.
Those six include two standout fixtures at The Cloud County Ground, taking in a rematch of the 2023 final against Somerset, and the home Battle of the Bridge against Kent.
Sams will also play Surrey in Chelmsford, as well as being part of the squad for trips to Glamorgan, Sussex Sharks, and Hampshire Hawks.
Last season, the 31-year-old topped the Eagles’ T20 run-scoring and wicket-taking charts, hitting 419 with the bat at a strike rate of 173.14, and claiming 25 victims with the ball at an average of 21.00.
He was crowned the competition’s Most Valuable Player after the final, ahead of Hampshire captain James Vince.
Should Anthony McGrath’s men qualify, the Blast quarter-finals are scheduled to be held between Tuesday 03 and Friday 06 September, with Finals Day set for the week after, on Saturday 14.
The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground
With over 20,000 tickets sold and two Friday night fixtures 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 – SOLD OUT
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here
