Suffolk and Essex will play each other for the first Robin Hobbs Trophy this summer in memory of the former leg spinner.
Hobbs, who passed away in March at the age of 81, represented both counties during a distinguished career which also saw him win seven England caps.
He made 325 appearances for Essex between 1961 and 1975, taking 763 wickets at an average of exactly 26.00.
Between 1976 and 1982 Hobbs played 32 matches for Suffolk in the Minor Counties Championship, claiming 144 wickets at an average of 19.24.
He took five wickets in an innings 10 times and twice took 10 wickets in a match as Suffolk were crowned Minor County champions in both 1977 and 1979.
The trophy will be presented to the winning side for the first time after the fixture at Woolpit CC on Sunday 21 July when the two counties meet in this year’s Showcase match.
Suffolk Cricket Chair Andrew Squire said: “As soon as the idea was suggested, after speaking to Robin’s son Nick, as a committee we jumped at the idea.
“It just seemed a great way to honour the memory of Robin, who played a pivotal role in the most successful period in Suffolk’s history, in addition to his achievements at Essex.
“We look forward to playing for the Robin Hobbs Trophy, which will add an extra dimension to this season’s fixtures against our neighbours.”
Essex Cricket Chair, Anu Mohindru, added: “This is a wonderful way to honour an Essex legend, and we are delighted to lend our full support to the creation of the Robin Hobbs Trophy.
“We look forward to the added layer of competition that this trophy being on the line will bring to the NCCA Showcase Match at Woolpit in July, as well as the games beyond across all representative sides.”
The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground
Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex return to shortest-format action in Chelmsford from Sunday 02 June.
Demand remains exceptionally high, and there are now only 15% of tickets remaining across all seven home fixtures, with two already sold out.
With the Eagles aiming to go one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.
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
