Essex County Cricket Club are delighted to unveil that John Lever MBE, the celebrated former England and Essex fast bowler, will become the Club’s new President, succeeding Keith Fletcher OBE.
John Lever’s bond with Essex Cricket spans decades, and a new chapter now commences. He succeeds his former captain and teammate, Keith Fletcher OBE, who served as Essex Cricket President from April 2023, holding the position for nearly three years.
Making his first-class debut in 1967, Lever became a cornerstone of Essex’s rise to prominence in English county cricket, playing a pivotal role in multiple County Championship campaigns and one-day successes.
During his playing days for the county, Lever claimed nearly 1,500 first-class wickets, helping Essex secure four County Championships (1979, 1983, 1984, 1986). He was also a key figure in the team that lifted three John Player League titles (1981, 1984, 1985), the NatWest Trophy (1985), and the Benson & Hedges Cup (1979).
Lever’s outstanding performances at county level rightfully earned him international recognition, and he went on to secure 21 Test caps for England, taking 73 wickets at an average of 26.72, including three five-wicket hauls. He also appeared in 22 ODIs during an England career that spanned 1976 to 1986.
On becoming Club President, Lever said: “First of all, the honour of being the next President of Essex County Cricket Club is certainly a daunting one, following the last four Presidents who have given so much to the Club.
“Tom Pearce and Doug Insole, with their longevity and stability; David Acfield, who served on nearly every Club committee for over thirty years; and, of course, Keith Fletcher, the great cricketing guru, have all made outstanding contributions to Essex cricket.
“My angle might be slightly different, but as a left-arm over, I hear you say, so it should be!
“However, my intentions are the same as my predecessors, to continue to make Essex County Cricket Club the friendly family club that it was when I started playing in 1967.
“I’d like to help continue to make Essex an important and successful cricketing county – both on and off the field. Essex Cricket is already a prominent hub to help men, women, and youngsters move forward in the game.
“I have recharged my batteries to look forward to a busy and successful 150th anniversary year.”
Dan Feist, Essex Cricket’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “In a year when so many memories will be shared, one thing that is guaranteed is that JK Lever’s name will be among the stories that are spoken about.
“A player who lived and breathed Essex as a cricketer, JK has continued to be a supporter of the game across the county since retiring. With such a strong connection to the Club and the county, it is brilliant that JK has accepted the opportunity to become Essex County Cricket Club’s next President.
“JK, who was a key part of the successful side formed by Keith Fletcher, will now take on the mantle from Keith in helping Essex to remain a strong and successful club as we move into our next 150 years.
“As a club with a proud history, and as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we must take a moment to thank Keith for all his time and efforts over a 60-year period. From player to coach to administrator, Keith has lived and breathed cricket, with Essex at the heart of everything he has done. He has helped so many on their cricketing journeys, while never forgetting the special player he was himself.
“We thank Keith for his work and look forward to the continued passion and connection to the region and the game that JK will bring.”
Lever officially takes on the role with immediate effect, marking a new chapter for John and Essex Cricket as the Club looks ahead to continued success while honouring its proud traditions.
Essex County Cricket Club extends its heartfelt thanks to Keith Fletcher OBE for his commitment and dedication as President over the past nearly three years.
Come down to the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground and support the Essex Women throughout their Metro Bank One Day Cup and Vitality Blast campaigns.
Click here to purchase yours today for just £60!
