Mark Lewis Pettini, born in Brighton, Sussex, is Essex Cricket’s Men’s High Performance Lead. He is a key member of Chris Silverwood’s coaching group, overseeing fielding sessions and providing support with batting development across the squad.
Mark Pettini's cricketing journey began when he joined the Essex Second XI at the age of 16. He made his first-class debut in 2001 and featured for the England Under-19s during their tour of India in 2002. Mark established himself as a dynamic right-handed batter for Essex, known for his aggressive stroke play. He was a key figure in the Club's one-day success, particularly during the 2005 and 2006 Totesport League title wins, which were followed by Friends Provident Trophy and NatWest Pro40 Division Two titles in 2008.
Over his professional playing career, Pettini accumulated 8,933 runs in 178 first-class matches, with a highest score of 209 not out, 4,811 runs in List A cricket, including nine centuries, and 3,284 runs in 135 T20 appearances.
His leadership qualities were recognised in 2007 when he was appointed Essex captain, becoming the Club's youngest-ever captain at 23. Under his captaincy, Essex won the the two titles in 2008 and achieved promotion to County Championship Division One in 2009.
Pettini’s 14-year playing career at Essex concluded in 2015, after which he moved to Leicestershire, retiring from professional cricket in 2017.
Away from cricket, Mark is a keen fisherman and holds a degree in Astronomy from Cardiff University. He has maintained a lifelong interest in the subject, inspired by his father, Max Pettini, who was a Professor of Astronomy at Cambridge University.
