Jamal Richards has signed a one-year contract extension with Essex, keeping him at the Club until the end of the 2025 season.
Richards, 20, was the Eagles’ leading wicket-taker in this season’s Metro Bank One Day Cup, with 15 scalps taken at an average of 24.86 and with a best return of 5/31.
That was his most productive return in one season for Essex, and he has also proved his worth with the bat too, scoring 255 runs in his 19 List A matches to date at a 23.18 average, with a top score of 46.
Educated at Norlington School, the same as the legendary Graham Gooch, Richards is a product of the Essex Pathway, and made his Eagles debut in a 2022 One Day Cup match against Derbyshire.
He also showcased his red-ball talent in 2024, as his 39 Second XI Championship wickets, taken at an average of just 18.48 and with a best of 5/20, marked him out as that competition’s leading bowler.
“I’m really happy to stay at Essex for another year, the Club where I’ve grown up and developed as a cricketer from childhood,” said Richards.
“Last season was really successful with the ball, and I’m keen to kick on and continue that progress during another season with the Eagles.”
Jason Gallian, Chair of the Cricket Committee, added: “It’s excellent that one of our most exciting prospects in Jamal has committed his immediate future to the Club again.
“Coming off the season he has just had, which represented a huge stride forward in his development, it is especially pleasing that he views this Club as the best place to continue his progress.
“We are all excited to see the positive effects that another season with Essex will have on Jamal’s progress as an extremely promising young cricketer.”
Enter the ballot for international tickets
The 2025 international fixture list has been revealed, with Chelmsford braced for high-octane action as England Women take on West Indies Women on Monday 26 May at 2:30pm.
In what’s set to be an unmissable afternoon of IT20 cricket, some of the world’s best T20 cricketers will go head to head in a T20 set in the heart of Essex.
What’s more, the game will be played on the Spring Bank Holiday making it the perfect day out with friends and family.
Demand for tickets will be high, so make sure to enter the ticket ballot and share with family and friends for the best chance to get your hands on tickets before public sale.
You’ll also have the chance to earn an extra entry to the ballot by sharing with the person you’d like to bring with you.
The ballot will close at midnight on Monday 04 November and ballot winners will be contacted with a unique link to purchase tickets on Tuesday 05 November.
