Matthew James John Critchley, born in Preston, Lancashire, is an all-rounder who bowls consistent leg-spin and bats right-handed in the middle order. He joined the Club at the end of the 2021 season from Derbyshire.
Critchley immediately became a fan favourite after scoring a century on debut at home against Kent in the first innings of the opening County Championship match of the 2022 season. Following his 132 off 179 balls, he went on to take 4–114 with the ball - an outstanding all-round debut performance.
In September 2023 during the Day One lunch break at home to Hampshire, Matt Critchley was awarded his County Cap to become the 167th Essex player to receive this honour and at the End of Season Awards that year, he claimed a hattrick of honours which included: Performance of the Year, Player's Player of the Year and Player of the Year.
By the conclusion of the 2025 season, Critchley has featured in 55 first-class matches for Essex, scoring 2,957 runs at an average of 35.62, including eight centuries, with a highest score of 151*. His 104 wickets came at an average of 29.94, with best bowling figures of 5–88.
