Essex County Cricket Club can confirm that Tom Westley will step down as Club Captain.
Westley’s six-year reign as Club Captain will come to a close following the match against Glamorgan, having been appointed in January 2020, taking over from Ryan ten Doeschate.
The Club’s currently longest-serving player, Westley joined the Academy in 2003 and made his first-team debut in 2007. He lifted a trophy in his first season as captain, leading Essex to victory in the Bob Willis Trophy final at Lord’s. Throughout his tenure, Tom has led the Club through multiple Division One campaigns, regularly challenging at the top of the table.
Alongside his red-ball responsibilities, Tom has also led the Essex Men’s 50-over campaigns. During his time as captain, he also became the all-time leading run-scorer in One Day Cup history in 2025.
On his captaincy, Tom Westley said: “Captaining Essex has been, and always will be, my greatest honour. It has been a privilege to serve this great Club, and it saddens me that I haven’t been able to leave it in a better place.
“Personally, I feel that my biggest value is scoring runs and contributing to Essex victories, something which I haven’t been able to achieve this year. For that reason, I feel now is the right time for a change and for the Club to explore a new direction.
“It is an all-encompassing role which has been demanding at times, none more so than this current season, for which I will be accountable. No one is more disappointed than me with the results of the second half of the year.
“That said, I cannot express my gratitude and thanks to all the people who have supported me throughout this passage of my career. To the Members and supporters, who are the reason why this Club is so special; to the past and current players; and to the coaching staff, I cannot express how truly indebted I am to you all.
“Above all, I want to thank my family, who have to carry the highs and lows along with me.
“Thank you.”
On the captaincy change, Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood said: “We would like to thank Tom for his time as Club Captain. For six years, he has led Essex Cricket with immense pride, passion and commitment, and we are grateful for everything he has given to the role both on and off the field.
“Tom has been an important leader for the Club during his time as captain, and we thank him for his dedication and contribution in that role.
“A new captain will be announced in due course.”
