Essex Cricket are delighted to confirm the signing of Laurie Evans, who joins the Club from Surrey.
The entertaining right-handed batter has agreed to a one-year white-ball contract, which includes an option to play in the County Championship.
Born in Lambeth, London, Evans brings a wealth of experience across domestic and global cricket. The 39-year-old has previously represented Surrey, Warwickshire and Sussex, and boasts an impressive record on the global franchise T20 circuit. His arrival bolsters Essex Men's batting options ahead of next season's T20 Blast campaign, with the option to feature in the County Championship.
On signing for Essex, Evans said: "I am really excited to be joining Essex. It's a county with a proud history, and I'm looking forward to getting started and contributing to what we want to achieve as a team: entertaining our supporters, winning games and lifting trophies.
“I have been fortunate enough to play in different environments around the world, and I hope that I can bring that experience into the Essex dressing room.
"I want to make a positive impact while I'm here, both on and off the field. I can't wait to meet everyone and get out there in an Essex shirt next year, playing in front of what I know is a great fanbase here in Chelmsford and across the county."
The explosive right-handed batter has represented a host of franchises around the world, including Perth Scorchers, Barbados Royals, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Multan Sultans, Colombo Kings, Quetta Gladiators, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Rajshahi Kings. Evans won the most recent edition of the Big Bash League in Australia and lifted the title with Perth Scorchers back in January.
Having competed in Australia, Pakistan, the Caribbean, Bangladesh and the UAE, Evans has faced some of the world's leading bowlers across a variety of T20 competitions. He also brings extensive experience in The Hundred, having represented Oval Invincibles (now MI London), Manchester Originals (now Manchester Super Giants) and Birmingham Phoenix.
Since making his T20 debut for Surrey in 2009, Evans has made 382 career appearances in the format, scoring almost 8,000 runs in 344 innings. His record includes 44 half-centuries, three centuries and a career-high score of 118 not out.
Evans’ career-best of 118*came from just 60 balls in a T20 Blast fixture against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens in 2023. Opening the batting, he struck 12 fours and six sixes to help Surrey secure a 65-run victory. It’s the kind of explosive performance Essex supporters will be hoping he can replicate in an Eagles shirt.
Essex’s Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, added: “We are all delighted to welcome Laurie to the squad, and we hope our supporters are just as excited about his arrival.
“Laurie has been part of successful teams around the world, bringing an exciting, attacking brand of cricket alongside a wealth of experience that will be a real asset to the Club.
“As well as adding valuable runs to the side, Laurie’s experience and knowledge will be invaluable in supporting the development of our younger players. His ability to help lead both on and off the field will also be a huge benefit to the squad.
“I’m very excited to welcome Laurie to Essex and look forward to working with him ahead of the 2027 season.”
Everyone at Essex Cricket welcomes Laurie Evans to the Club and looks forward to seeing him make his debut in an Eagles shirt. He will wear the number 32.
