Essex Cricket is happy to announce that Charlie Bennett has graduated from the Academy and signed a rookie contract with the Club.
Charlie Bennett, 19, was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, and developed his early cricket in the pathway of one of our National County Partners Suffolk, while playing for his club side, Copdock & Old Ipswichian Cricket Club.
The tall right-arm seam bowler joined Essex’s Regional Emerging Players Programme at Under-14 and Under-15 level, before progressing to the Academy in 2023 and now plays his club cricket at Frinton.
Bennett made his Essex 2nd XI debut on 01 July 2024 against Hampshire in a T20 match at Garon Park, Southend, where he took 1/28 and scored 4* batting at number nine.
Since then, the 19-year-old has featured thirteen times for the Essex 2nd XI, taking a total of 20 wickets, with best figures of 3-52 against Yorkshire 2nd XI in May this year.
On 21 July 2024, Bennett also played for Suffolk in a Metro Bank One Day Cup warm-up match against Essex, taking the wickets of Luc Benkenstein and Jamal Richards in a 28-run victory for Essex.
On signing the contract, Bennett said: “I am really excited to get this opportunity at such a great cricket club.
“I would like to thank Barry Hyam, James Clifford and Kemsley Robb for all their hard work and help so far during my development.
“I hope this is the start of a long and successful career in cricket.”
Essex Cricket Player Pathway Manager, James Clifford said: “It’s fantastic to see Charlie rewarded with this rookie contract.
“He has consistently shown determination, skill, and perseverance throughout his time in the Emerging Players Programme and Academy.
“We look forward to seeing him contribute to many more games for Essex in the future.”
Charlie Bennett will wear the number 85 shirt and we all wish him the best for the season!
Purchase your England v India tickets!
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day One will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
