The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced the England Women A squads for the 50-over and T20 series against New Zealand A.
Essex Women’s Captain Grace Scrivens and teammate Jodi Grewcock have both been named in the 16-player squad for the three 50-over fixtures, while Scrivens is also among the 13 players selected for the three T20 matches.
She will lead the side as captain in both formats, with the squad coached by England Women’s Performance Batting Coach, Jon ‘Judge’ Lewis.
Lewis said: “We’re all looking forward to the series. We’ve selected a young and talented group of players, many of whom have gained recognition through their form for their counties in the first half of the season. It’s also good to see a number of players with recent experience of playing for England Women U19s.
“New Zealand have brought over a strong A squad with a good amount of international experience so the challenge will be tough but I’m looking forward to seeing our players grab this opportunity against strong opposition.”
All games will be available to watch free on ecb.co.uk.
Hannah Baker (Warwickshire), Tilly Corteen-Coleman (Surrey), Mahika Gaur (Lancashire)+, Jodi Grewock (Essex), Emma Jones (Surrey), Freya Kemp (Hampshire), Abi Norgrove (Hampshire), Charis Pavely (Warwickshire), Davina Perrin (Warwickshire), Grace Potts (Lancashire), Grace Scrivens (Essex; Captain), Seren Smale (Lancashire), Rhianna Southby (Hampshire), Alexa Stonehouse (Surrey), Grace Thompson (Durham)++, Phoebe Turner (Durham)
+Available for third 50-over game only (June 29)
++Available for first 50-over game only (June 23)
Hannah Baker (Birmingham Bears), Tilly Corteen-Coleman (Surrey), Mahika Gaur (Lancashire Thunder), Bess Heath (Durham), Emma Jones (Surrey), Ryana MacDonald-Gay (Surrey), Ella McCaughan (Hampshire Hawks), Charis Pavely (Birmingham Bears), Davina Perrin (Birmingham Bears), Grace Potts (Lancashire Thunder), Grace Scrivens (Essex; Captain), Seren Smale (Lancashire Thunder), Alexa Stonehouse (Surrey)
June 23: England Women A v New Zealand A, 50-over, Derby
June 26: England Women A v New Zealand A, 50-over, Derby
June 29: England Women A v New Zealand A, 50-over, Chelmsford
July 3: England Women A v New Zealand A, T20, Chelmsford
July 5: England Women A v New Zealand A, T20, Beckenham
July 7: England Women A v New Zealand A, T20, Beckenham
Support Grace, Jodi and the England A side at Chelmsford with tickets now available to purchase at essexcricket.org.uk. Adult tickets for each fixtures are priced at £5 and for Juniors (U18s).
The matches are free of charge for all Essex Members.
Purchase online - here
This week’s match marks the return of the Rothesay County Championship with Essex taking on seventh placed Hampshire.
Hampshire are the visitors, and it promises to be a a hot and exciting four days at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
Match tickets are still available to purchase in advance for this match and entry is free of charge for Members.
Fans of all ages can also upgrade their matchday ticket to access The Doug Insole Pavilion (+ £7.50) or The Scrutton Bland Premier Suite (+£20). Both upgrades can be purchased online where the price of the matchday ticket and upgrade has been bundled into one.
Tickets are available at the gate for £22, or at the discounted price of £16 if purchased in advance. Spectators with digital tickets must download them to the ‘ECCC Wallet’ app, and we recommend doing this before arriving at the ground.
Gates open from 10am on all four days via the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate, which is closest to Chelmsford City Centre and the Bus/Train Stations.
Toss (Day One): 10:30am
Morning Session: 11am-1pm
Afternoon Session: 1:40pm-3:40pm
Evening Session: 4:10pm-6pm
Close of Play: 6pm
Rothesay County Championship cricket is part of the 2025 Membership and Members are required to scan cards on entry. All Members should have now received 2025 Membership cards and it'll be necessary to scan an active 2025 Membership card to gain entry to the ground.
The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground is a cashless ground, which includes purchasing tickets and scorecards on the gates, plus food and drink purchases in the Doug Insole Pavilion and concourse areas.
Scorecards will be available for £1 on the Tees River Gate via contactless payment, however, cash purchases can be made in the Essex Cricket Store.
Accessible Parking:
Accessible car parking spaces are located at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that these cannot be pre-booked before visiting to provide an equal opportunity for all supporters.
Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating can be found in the Graham Gooch End of the ground and a wheelchair-accessible platform is located in Block One of the Tom Pearce Stand.
Carers can enter the ground on a companion ticket which is free of charge. This is upon the presentation in the Membership & Ticketing Office or on the gate with proof of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people under 16 years old.
Accessible Facilities:
The accessible toilets located at the rear of the Doug Insole Pavilion have been refurbished for the 2025 season, while accessible toilet facilities are still available by Block 31.
We can also accept a Blue Badge and Access card.
There is set to be hot weather during the match and we advise all spectators to take the necessary protection against the sun.
In the event of adverse weather conditions on the day of the match, please keep up to date with the prospects of play via the Club's X and Facebook channels.
Parking:
• Spectators travelling by car will need to locate a public car park in the proximity of the ground as there is no parking available on-site at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
• The High Chelmer multi-storey will be open across all four days. View opening hours and tariffs for city centre public car parks - here
• The Meteor Way car park is available for Members to pre-book for all four days but all advanced spaces are sold out for Sunday 22 and Monday 23 June. There are a very limited number of spaces available on the day available on a first come, first served basis. We advise that Members pre-book for £2.50 as spaces are not guaranteed to be available on the day and the price of parking on the day will increase to £3.50. Meteor Way car park will close 30 minutes after the end of play - Book Here
Public Transport:
• Chelmsford Bus Station is situated on Duke Street, next to Chelmsford Train Station, with connections to all over the county. Alternatively, bus numbers 13, 46 and C1 shuttles, stop on New London Road, which is approximately a two-minute walk to the Ground, via New Writtle Street.
• Chelmsford Railway Station, managed by Greater Anglia, is about a 10-minute stroll from The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground. Direct train services depart regularly from Chelmsford to London, Stratford, Shenfield, Romford, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich. Chelmsford is situated on the Liverpool Street to Norwich mainline.
• Spectators are able to enter the ground via the Main Gate located on New Writtle Street or through the Tees River Gate. Please note that all ticket collections will need to take place at the Main Gate.
• For the safety of everyone at the ground, there will be bag checks in operation and security present throughout the fixture.
• In the event of rain forecast on the day of the match, spectators can bring a small umbrella into the ground but metal spiked umbrellas are not permitted.
Members:
• The Doug Insole Pavilion is open for Members upon the presentation of a valid Membership card and accessible by entering the ground through the Main Gate.
• Members are not required to pre-book a match ticket and can enter by scanning their Membership card on the gate. If you require a replacement card, please get in contact with the Membership & Ticketing Office before the fixture to arrange a replacement or this may cause delays on entry for you and other spectators.
• Entry to this fixture is included in 2025 Membership and encourage Members to arrive in plenty of time to secure your seat. All seating for Championship games is Unallocated and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• There will be an open ground for this match allowing spectators to walk around the whole concourse area at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground with access to the Club Store and other facilities.
Members will still have access to dedicated Members' seating areas which will be located in the Doug Insole Pavilion and Tom Pearce Upper & Lower Stands. All other seating areas in the ground will be available for Members and general public.
General Public Seating:
• Supporters who have purchased digital tickets can enter the ground by scanning the valid ticket once added to the 'ECCC Wallet'. Instructions on how to access the app is included at the ticket purchase stage and can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Store and please download your tickets before arriving at the ground.
Make sure you have your match ticket available on your phone so it is easily accessible for ticket scanning on arrival. Please do not take a ‘screen grab’ of your tickets as that will not be read by the scanners and you may be refused entry.
Tickets can also be transferred to friends and family who also have the app to make entry quicker and easier. Follow the instructions within the app for an easy transfer around your group.
• Ticket holders can sit in all areas of the ground for this match, except for the Doug Insole Pavilion and Tom Pearce Upper & Lower stands.
• Spectators are welcome to enter the pitch during the lunch & tea breaks when instructed over PA or by a member of the Club's stewarding team. Please follow the guidance to the specific areas permitted to enter and please respect the playing surface. We encourage spectators to play on the outfield but please use softballs.
• Spectators are permitted to walk around the full concourse area with better access to the Club Store and other facilities.
Members will still have exclusive access to dedicated Members' seating areas, which are located in the Doug Insole Pavilion and Tom Pearce Upper & Lower Stands. All other seating areas in the ground will be available for both Members and general public.
Please note that seating for Rothesay County Championship fixtures is unallocated so will be available on a first come, first served basis.
• Spectators are permitted to move behind the Doug Insole Pavilion but please respect the players' area and walkway.
• A faith and reflection room is available for all spectators who wish to use this facility. It is open for the duration of the match and located within the Graham Gooch Cricket Centre.
• The Membership & Ticketing Office and Club Store will be open for spectators for the duration of your visit.
• The Peter Edwards Museum & Library is located on-site adjacent to the Essex Cricket Store and will be open for the duration of the game.
• If you experience any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour during your visit to The Cloud County Ground then, please contact your nearest steward. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or text 'CROWD' including your stand and issue to 60066.
• Free Wi-Fi is available at The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground for every matchday giving supporters the opportunity to access the internet and the Club's live stream online. Simply logon to ‘EC-Public’ from your seat to access.
• At the Doug Insole Pavilion, you can enjoy a diverse selection of hot and cold beverages from the bar, along with a variety of snacks for purchase.
• Anne's Pantry will be offering a choice of home-cooked meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located in the Graham Gooch End and Sir Alastair Cook End.
They will be serving a range of meals suitable for all dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free, as well as children's portions.
• Other refreshment kiosks include bar areas located at either end of the ground in County Corner and Spinners Bar, serving drinks and snacks.
• Spectators can bring food and drink into the ground for this fixture but please ensure all bags can be stored underneath your seat. A limit of four cans of beer/lager or one bottle of wine per person is in place for this fixture and there is strictly no glass or sharp objects permitted into the ground.
• The Greene King Cask Ale Beer Festival will be located behind the Doug Insole Pavilion in the Level Head Bar. There will be a choice of 11 cask ales available to purchase, all priced at £5.50 per pint or £2.75 per half pint.
View the full range - here.
At the conclusion of the day's play, we ask spectators to leave the ground in a safe and patient manner. Stewards will be on hand to help direct you safely out of the ground.
We hope you have an enjoyable visit to the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground and further information regarding the match, including squad announcements and a full match preview will be available on www.essexcricket.org.uk ahead of the match.
Get in touch with us by email if you have any further questions at [email protected] or via the Club's official Twitter and Facebook channels.
Our live stream will be available to watch over the four days with multi-angled ball tracking, replays and commentary courtesy of BBC Essex. Head to the Essex Cricket Matchzone to watch the action live ahead of the toss on Day One, plus view an interactive scorecard, stats and individual match clips.
After five weeks of Vitality Blast action, we now switch our attention from the shortest format to the longest, with the visit of Hampshire.
The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground will welcome the southern outfit to Chelmsford for round 8 of the Rothesay County Championship, in what promises to be a scorching few days of red-ball cricket.
With temperatures set to hover around thirty degrees in the coming week, the return to red-ball action is a welcome change as the Eagles look to climb the Division One table.
It's been a quick turnaround in fixtures this week, with back-to-back T20 action at Lord's on Thursday, followed by hosting the Kent Spitfires on Friday, and now heading straight into four-day cricket against Hampshire starting on Sunday.
Chris Silverwood has named a 13-player squad for the return of the Rothesay County Championship, which includes Sam Cook who has returned to the Club after being released by the England.
Jamie Porter is being rested as a precaution after sustaining a minor calf strain earlier this week.
Hampshire sit just one place above Essex in the Division One table, clear by just 7 points as both sides will want to shift away of the bottom two, Yorkshire and Worcestershire.
The side based in Southampton have won two games out of the first seven rounds, with wins coming against Warwickshire in round 6 at Edgbaston and Yorkshire at the Ageas Bowl in Round 1.
Hampshire squad: Ben Brown (c) (wk), Fletcha Middleton, Kyle Abbott, Felix Organ, Scott Currie, Ali Orr, Liam Dawson, Tom Prest, James Fuller, John Turner, Nick Gubbins, Tilak Varma, Eddie Jack.
August 2024 was the last time Essex faced Hampshire in the County Championship - in what was a high scoring draw where both sides only batted once.
Jordan Cox and Dean Elgar both scored centuries with 141 and 136 respectively and captain Tom Westley claimed a half-century with 64.
Toby Albert and Tom Prest’s centuries gave a glimpse of Hampshire’s batting future as their Vitality County Championship clash with Essex petered into a draw.
Both homegrown batters in their early 20s scored hundreds, with Albert playing in place of the injured Ali Orr, and Prest elevated up the order with James Vince unable to bat in his usual position.
The duo made sure Essex’s low chances of forcing 19 wickets, and a victory, became non-existent, with career-best scores of 124 and 156.
Matt Critchley claimed a late five for 96 as both teams took away 14 points – a haul that is unlikely to worry table-toppers Surrey in the fight for the title.
If you are unable to attend any of the match days, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone, through the YouTube livestream.
Daily highlights will be available after each day’s play via the Club website and social media. Live updates will also be provided through the Club’s various social platforms and channels.
Members of both counties are free to sit in any available and vacant seat, though the Doug Insole Pavilion benches and blocks 1-14 and 27-31 are reserved specifically for member’s use only.
Should you want have access to Member’s areas during a matchday, we have the ‘Adult Member Area Upgrade’ available at an extra cost to general admission.
Meanwhile, advanced general admission tickets are priced at £16.00 for adults (£22.00 on the day), while young adults aged between 18 and 25 can purchase for £12.00 (£16.00 on the day) and under-18 tickets for £6.00.
Tickets can be purchased online here or by calling 01245 254010.
Essex Men: Michael Pepper, Dean Elgar, Jordan Cox (wk), Paul Walter, Luc Benkenstein, Charlie Allison, Matt Critchley, Noah Thain, Simon Harmer (c), Shane Snater, Mohammad Amir.
Kent Spitfires Men: Tawanda Muyeye, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Harry Finch, Sam Billing (c & wk), Jack Leaning, Tom Rogers, Joe Denly, Joey Evison, Matt Parkinson, Fred Klaasen, Nathan Gilchrist.
Umpires: Robbie White & Chris Watts
Match Referee: Dean Cosker
Scorers: Paul Parkinson & Andy Bateup
Toss: Essex Men won the toss and elected to bowl
Result: Kent Spitfires Men won by 47 runs
Coming soon...
Tawanda Muyeye cemented himself as the leading run scorer in the Men’s Vitality Blast 2025 with a jaw-dropping maiden T20 century – as Kent Spitfires tore rivals Essex apart.
Muyeye became Kent’s eighth T20 hundred-maker, with the club's joint-most sixes in an innings as he hoisted his bat on a stunning 100.
He and opening partner Daniel Bell-Drummond are the only two players to reach three figures in this year’s competition, with Muyeye’s 362 runs leading the charts.
Matt Parkinson’s first T20 five-wicket haul pulled the rug out under Essex doomed chase of 214 as they were bowled out for 172, despite Dean Elgar’s patient 50 and Simon Harmer's late pyrotechnic 55.
Essex wanted to chase, and started strongly with the ball with three tight overs before Muyeye swung Simon Harmer for two sixes in a row to begin his assault on Chelmsford.
He put on 71 with Bell-Drummond for the first wicket, 76 with Joe Denly and 43 with captain Sam Billings – all got starts, but there was only one star of the show.
There is no secret that Muyeye is one of the most aesthetically pleasing batters on the circuit. His quick hands, paired with a long backswing, fluttered the eyes, but it was the power that had the hosts scrambling.
He fired seven sixes in total into the balmy sky – a joint most in an innings for Kent – the two most joyous of which oscillated down the ground, plus six hammered fours.
Muyeye quickly moved to the top of the Blast run-scoring charts for this season, and made a play to stay there for the rest of the campaign, with a half-century ticked off in 32 balls and his ton in 58.
In doing so he joined an esteemed and exclusive list of Kent T20 centurions – Denly, Bell-Drummond, Billings, Zak Crawley, Azhar Mahmood, Sam Northeast, and Andrew Symonds being the other inductees.
He might have controlled a full toss straight to long off next ball, but the damage was done. Kent reached 219, with Shane Snater, Harmer and Luc Benkenstein picking up a wicket each, although Mo Amir was the only bowler to go at under sevens.
A bumper Friday night crowd resorted to gallows humour when Dean Elgar finally found the boundary with the 20th ball of the innings, having already seen Tom Rogers skip one past Michael Pepper.
Things heated up later in the third over when Jordan Cox swung and missed. Wicketkeeper Billings threw the ball at the stumps, missed and hit his former team-mate. Cox responded by kicking the ball away and verbals were exchanged at close quarters.
Cox punted the following delivery down the ground for four, but the spat ended when Billings gave Cox a send-off after skying to long on.
Matt Parkinson, who had dismissed Cox, then bowled Paul Walter with leg-spinning perfection with the next ball, but squandered a hat-trick with a leg-side wide.
Parkinson added a third when Benkenstein stuck one straight up and another as Matt Critchley found the deep point fielder.
Elgar had quietly amassed his 16th T20 fifty, but he was bowled by another Parkinson beauty, the spinner ending up with five for 23.
Charlie Allison, Noah Thain, Shane Snater and Harmer also fell - with Joey Evison taking two in two at one point.
While Essex remain the sole winless side in either group, Harmer entertained the crowd with seven sixes once the match was mathematically lost - he smacked 55 in 21 balls.
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day one will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
Durham Women: Suzie Bates, Leah Dobson, Mady Villiers, Hollie Armitage (C), Bess Heath, Mia Rogers (WK), Katherine Fraser, Phoebe Turner, Grace Thompson, Sophia Turner, Katie Levick
Essex Women: Lauren Winfield-Hill (wk), Grace Scrivens (c), Jo Gardner, Cordelia Griffith, Maddie Penna, Jodi Grewcock, Eva Gray, Sophia Smale, Kate Coppack, Esmae MacGregor, Abtaha Maqsood.
Umpires: Michael Gough & Amy Clark
Match Referee: Helen Pack
Toss: Essex Women win the toss and elected to bat
Result: Essex Women win by 6 wickets
A devastating new-ball burst from seamers Esmae MacGregor and Kate Coppack helped Essex snap a four-game losing streak in the Vitality Blast as they eased past Durham by six wickets at the Banks Homes Riverside.
MacGregor and Coppack claimed two wickets apiece as Durham, inserted, slipped to 17 for four in four overs, only able to recover to an under-par 101 for eight total. Both fast bowlers finished with two each wickets apiece.
Essex then reeled that in with comfort - with three overs remaining - to secure their first win in five and their third win in eight overall. Former England wicketkeeper-opener Lauren Winfield-Hill top-scored with 29 off 22 balls.
Essex jumped up to fifth in the table with this four-point success, while Durham have now lost six in eight. Essex still have plenty of work to do to secure a top-three finish for Finals Day qualification, though second-bottom Durham require a miracle.
Twenty-year-old MacGregor is the leading wicket-taker in this season’s Blast with 18, and she put the squeeze on the home top order with two for 16 from four testing overs.
She struck first with the sixth ball of the match as she bowled an attacking Leah Dobson before getting New Zealand’s Suzie Bates caught at mid-off following a miscue in her next over, leaving the score at 10 for two.
Coppack, who finished with a campaign best two for 16 in three overs, then had England fringe duo Mady Villiers and Bess Heath caught at point on the cut and caught behind driving respectively, leaving the hosts in deep trouble in the North East sunshine.
Captain Hollie Armitage tried her best to rescue things with an unbeaten 47 off 50 balls, but she just couldn’t get the required support.
Wicketkeeper-batter Mia Rogers was run out coming back for two to the non-striker’s end, courtesy of a wonderful pick up and throw from Sophia Smale at long-on, before the fielder turned wicket-taker to bowl Katherine Fraser with her left-arm spin - 71 for six in the 16th over.
In the scramble for late runs, Eva Gray’s seam bowled Phoebe Turner before Grace Thompson was run out.
England A captain Armitage hit only three boundaries and was never able to break free.
The early loss of Grace Scrivens in the Essex reply, stumped off Villiers’ off-spin, failed to break their stride even if on-loan opener Winfield-Hill struggled in hers.
She went down with suspected cramp at the end of the fourth over, with Essex 20 for one.
Batting on, she instantly took the aggressive route and hit Grace Thompson’s seam for back-to-back boundaries through cover and aerially through midwicket.
Impressive Villiers bowled Jo Gardner in the sixth over and then took a brilliant diving catch on the run at long-on to help seamer Sophia Turner remove Winfield-Hill. But by that time, it was 53 for three after eight overs and Durham still had a mountain to climb.
Katie Levick claimed a consolatory wicket, but unbeaten Australian Maddie Penna saw the visitors home with 23.
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day one will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
Middlesex Men: Stephan Eskinazi (c), Kane Williamson, Max Holden, Ben Geddes, Ryan Higgins, Jack Davies (wk), Luke Hollman, Zafar Gohar, Tom Helm, Naavya Sharma, Noah Cornwell.
Essex Men: Michael Pepper, Dean Elgar, Jordan Cox (wk), Paul Walter, Luc Benkenstein, Charlie Allison, Matt Critchley, Noah Thain, Simon Harmer (c), Shane Snater, Mohammad Amir.
Umpires: Paul Pollard & Chris Watts
Match Referee: James Whittaker
Scorers: Don Shelley & Paul Parkinson
Toss: Essex won the toss and elected to bowl first
Result: Middlesex won by 1 run
Tom Helm held his nerve in a nail-biting final over as Middlesex began the post Richard Johnson era with a 1-run victory over Essex, three years to the day after their last Vitality Blast win at Lord’s.
Essex had appeared to be cruising at 106-2 thanks to a stand of 54 between Paul Walter (30) and Jordan Cox 23, but Zafar Gohar’s 2-20 put the brakes on the chase, leading to the breathless finish.
Middlesex earlier collapsed from 108-1 to 161 all out failing to build on Kane Williamson’s 53 in 31 balls, the former New Zealand Test captain’s first half century for the Seaxes. Simon Harmer (2-34) and Benkenstein 2-26 started the slide with Mohammed Amir (3-19) polishing off the tail.
Middlesex came out swinging at the start of the new era, but rather than aggressive, much of the batting was frenetic.
Williamson swung one from Shane Snater over the short boundary, but among his other early fours was a top edge over wicketkeeper Jordan Cox’s head.
Stephen Eskinazi, save for successive sweeps to the square boundary struggled to find the middle of the blade before being brilliantly caught down the leg-side by Cox.
Williamson steadily found his groove, a glorious straight six helping him to 50, but once he departed to the next delivery caught at long-leg off Noah Thain the collapse was on.
Ben Geddes was dropped off both his first two balls and lasted five in total before lifting Benkenstein to deep midwicket and Holden’s somewhat skittish effort was ended by Harmer as the Essex spinners ripped through the heart of the middle-order.
Essex openers Dean Elgar and Michael Pepper came out in a big hurry to get the chase done, the latter planting successive deliveries from Naavya Sharma over the ropes. Elgar in his turned cracked a four to the fence at point as they rattled up a 50-stand in 27 balls.
Pepper chipped Gohar to mid-off soon afterwards and Elgar sent the first ball of Helm’s next over to short third.
Walter though clubbed Helm into the stands and expertly paddled the spin of Hollman to fine leg for four, while Cox cut powerfully square of the wicket and through cover as another 50 partnership came in 35 balls.
Again, both fell in quick succession, Walter undone by a Sharma bouncer while Gohar castled Cox.
The hosts thought they had Benkenstein caught by Helm off Luke Hollman, but after conferring the umpires ruled not out. Nevertheless, Matt Critchley holed out off Noah Cornwell as the tension mounted.
Charlie Allison thick-edged and ramped Ryan Higgins for four leaving 10 needed from the last.
Benkenstein went for glory but holed out to Geddes in the deep, and while two twos were scrambled four was needed off the final delivery. Thain clothed it to deep mid-off, where Geddes collected and returned to spark celebrations from the hosts.
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day one will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
Thanks to our Club Partner, First Bus, ticket holders for the match against Kent Spitfires Men on Friday night can claim free bus travel on the day of the fixture.
Enjoy free travel across the First Bus Essex network all day — just show your match ticket when you board, but remember to check your journey home in advance.
Leave the car at home, soak up the sun, and enjoy a drink or two while cheering on the Eagles at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground's central Chelmsford location makes it easily accessible by bus. The nearest stop is on New London Road and just a few hundred yards from The Tees River Gate entrance, whilst the ground is also a short walk from Chelmsford Bus Station.
You can also look out for the Essex Cricket branded bus which is currently in operation across the city!
First Bus East of England hosted members of the Essex Men's and Women's team for a thrilling Battle of the Buses driving challenge.
The Eagles were joined by representatives from the Department for Transport to get behind the wheel and experience firsthand the skill and precision it takes to drive a bus.
Taking part in the challenge were Eva Gray, Cordelia Griffith, and Kelly Castle from Essex Cricket’s Women’s team, along with Matt Critchley and Paul Walter from the Men’s team.
Find out more about Essex Cricket's partnership with First Bus, here.
Friday's clash with Kent Spitfires Men is a sell-out but you can still purchase tickets for the remaining Vitality Blast games - but be quick as there is now very limited availability for the four remaining group games.
The Vitality Blast heads to Chelmsford this week for the first Friday night under lights in front of a capacity crowd.
Kent Spitfires Men are the visitors to the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground for the first Battle of the Bridge of the season.
Tickets for the game are sold out and will not be available on the gates. All remaining fixtures in this year's Men's Vitality Blast have limited availability so we advise buying now to avoid disappointment.
This is an all ticket match and if you have digital tickets, please make sure you download them to the 'ECCC Wallet' app before arriving at the ground.
Gates will open at 5:30pm and spectators can enter the ground via the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate, located via Sky Blue Pastures, which is the closest entrance to Chelmsford City Centre and the Bus and Train stations.
Spectators are advised to arrive early to allow ample time to enter the ground and locate your seat. Bag checks will be in operation on entry to the ground.
Re-admittance is not permitted for standalone Men's Vitality Blast fixtures.
Gates Open: 5:30pm
Toss: 6:30pm
Start of Play: 7pm
Thanks to our Club Partner, First Bus, ticket holders for the match against Kent Spitfires can claim free bus travel on the day of the fixture.
Enjoy free travel across the First Bus Essex network all day — just show your match ticket when you board.
Leave the car at home, soak up the sun, and enjoy a drink or two while cheering on the Eagles - remember to check your journey home in advance.
Find out more about Essex Cricket's partnership with First Bus, here.
Click to view more information
The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground is a cashless ground, which includes all food and drink purchases in the Doug Insole Pavilion and concourse areas. The Essex Cricket Store is located behind the Doug Insole Pavilion and accepts both card and cash payments.
Thursday is set to be bright with sunshine forecast throughout the day and highs of 25°. We advise that you stay well hydrated throughout your visit and water stations are located at all bar areas.
Please also bring suitable sun protection for you and your group and sun lotion and hats will be available to purchase from the Essex Cricket Store.
Off the field, we welcome the Essex Rebels basketball and volleyball team who will be hosting a range of sessions and activities for all.
Parking:
• Spectators travelling by car will need to locate a public car park in the proximity of the ground as there is no parking available on-site at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
• The High Chelmer multi-storey will be open for this match until 11pm. View opening hours and tariffs for city centre public car parks - here
• The Meteor Way car park is available for Members to pre-book - here.
Public Transport:
• Chelmsford Bus Station is situated on Duke Street, next to Chelmsford Train Station, with connections to all over the county. Alternatively, bus numbers 13, 46 and C1 shuttles, stop on New London Road, which is approximately a two-minute walk to the Ground, via New Writtle Street.
• Chelmsford Railway Station, managed by Greater Anglia, is a 10-minute stroll from the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground. Direct train services depart regularly from Chelmsford to London, Stratford, Shenfield, Romford, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich. Chelmsford is situated on the Liverpool Street to Norwich mainline.
There are no scheduled engineering works for Friday on the Norwich to London Liverpool Street line.
Spectators are able to enter the ground via the Main Gate located on New Writtle Street or through the Tees River Gate. Please enter through the gate nearest your seat location.
• The Doug Insole Pavilion is open for Members and entry is only upon the presentation of a valid ticket. This facility is accessible by entering the ground through the Main Gate.
General Admittance:
• Supporters who have purchased digital tickets can enter the ground by scanning the valid ticket once added to the 'ECCC Wallet'. Instructions on how to access the app is included at the ticket purchase stage and can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Store and please download your tickets before arriving at the ground.
Make sure you have your match ticket available on your phone so it is easily accessible for ticket scanning on arrival. Please do not take a ‘screen grab’ of your tickets as that will not be read by the scanners and you may be refused entry.
Tickets can also be transferred to friends and family who also have the app to make entry quicker and easier. Follow the instructions within the app for an easy transfer around your group.
• In the event of showers forecast on the day of the match, spectators can bring a small umbrella into the ground but metal spiked umbrellas are not permitted.
• Please note, Block 29-31 are our family stands and is located near accessible toilet facilities which also includes baby changing facilities. Block 30 is strictly alcohol-free for all spectators and we ask all spectators seating in this area to refrain from drinking or bringing alcohol into this block.
• There are two retail stores open for this game with the Essex Cricket Store located in the blue area open for the duration of the match. Our pop-up store will also be open and is located by the Tees River Gate selling a range of merchandise, clothing and memorabilia for your visit.
• Spectators are able to access the full concourse of the ground and can visit the Club Store and food court areas during your visit.
• The Club Store and Membership & Ticketing Office will be open for spectators for the duration of your visit.
• A faith and reflection room is available for all spectators who wish to use this facility. It is open for the duration of the match and located within the Graham Gooch Cricket Centre.
• There is a sensory and family room situated near the Tees River Gate. Should you need to use it, please contact your nearest steward.
• Public Wi-Fi is available at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground for every matchday giving you the opportunity to share photos and videos of your Eagles experience. Simply logon to 'EC-Public' from your seat to access.
• If you experience any anti-social or discriminatory behaviour during your visit, please contact your nearest steward. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or text 'RESPECT' including your stand and issue to 60066.
• The Food Court is located in the blue area of the ground by the Essex Cricket Store where Anne's Pantry will be offering a variety of food. Anne's Pantry food kiosks will also be offering a choice of hot meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their other outlets located at the Graham Gooch End and Sir Alastair Cook End.
They will be serving a range of meals suitable for all dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free, as well as children's portions.
• We also welcome our partners, Zambrero for 2025 who will be serving up burritos and rice bowls on T20 matchdays this season. There will also be Fish & Chips and loaded chicken fries stands on offer in the food court and Sir Alastair Cook End.
• There will be a Gin & Fizz bar also located by the Doug Insole Pavilion.
• The Level Head Bar is situated behind the Doug Insole Pavilion and is the perfect space to relax with a drink in the beer garden and soak in the atmosphere. You will also find our Gin & Fizz bar in this area serving up cocktails, mocktails and other spirits.
• The Doug Insole Pavilion will be welcoming Members with valid tickets through its doors and serving a wide range of hot and cold drinks from the bar. A choice of snacks will also be available to purchase.
• Other refreshment kiosks include bar areas located at either end of the ground in County Corner and Spinner's Bar.
• Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the ground for this fixture. However, food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed providing there is no glass or sharp objects such as cutlery.
• Please note that the ground is a cashless ground, so please make sure you bring a suitable method of payment for your visit.
Accessible Parking:
Accessible car parking spaces are located at The Ambassador Cruise Line Ground and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that these cannot be pre-booked before visiting to provide an equal opportunity for all supporters.
Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating is located in the Tom Pearce Lower and Block 31, and there is also a wheelchair-accessible lift in Block 18 for spectators seated in this area.
Carers can enter the ground on a companion ticket which is free of charge. This is upon the presentation in the Membership & Ticketing Office or on the gate with proof of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people under 16 years old.
Accessible Facilities:
The accessible toilets located at the rear of the Doug Insole Pavilion, while other accessible toilet facilities are available by Block 31.
We also offer a dedicated Changing Places Room, available for anyone who may benefit from additional space, support, or specialist equipment—regardless of access needs, disability, or whether accompanied by a carer.
You’ll find the Changing Places facility located in front of the Price Forbes Graham Gooch Cricket Centre.
At the conclusion of the game, we ask that spectators leave the ground in a safe and patient manner. Stewards will be on hand to help direct you safely out of the ground.
We hope you have an enjoyable visit to Chelmsford and get in touch with us by email if you have any further questions at [email protected] or via the Club's official Twitter and Facebook channels.
This match will be available to watch via the Club's live stream which can be found at essexcricket.org.uk or on the Essex Cricket YouTube channel.
You can visit the Essex Cricket Matchzone for a live scorecard, clips of the action and match statistics, as well as match coverage via the Club's X, Facebook and Instagram channels.
Long-standing Official Partner of Essex Cricket, Tiptree, have extended their association with the Club to over 20 years with a new three-year deal.
The 140-year-old Essex-based manufacturer, which holds the Royal Warrant to supply the King, will remain as an Official Partner until at least December 2027.
Tiptree's story began with the Wilkin family, who have been farming locally since 1757, and making quality preserves since 1885.
The company grows a wide range of traditional English fruits, and uses them to make conserves, condiments, and other treats, that are distributed across the globe, in a nut-free factory by the farm.
The Royal Warrant, as purveyors of its products to the Royal Household, is an honour the company has held since 1911, when it was first awarded by George V.
Every subsequent monarch since has maintained the tradition, with King Charles III renewing it in December 2024.
Dan Feist, Chief Executive Officer at Essex Cricket, said: “It’s wonderful to continue the strong relationship we already enjoy with such an esteemed local business.
“Not only are Tiptree a rightful holder of the Royal Warrant and an internationally-recognised brand, but they are Essex-based, making their superb products just 13 miles from our home ground.
“We thank them for their ongoing support, and look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the years ahead.”
Tiptree is thrilled to be supporting the Women's team as well as the Men's and will be donating hampers to the Women’s Player Of The Month.
Chris Newenham, Joint Managing Director at Tiptree, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-term sponsorship of Essex Cricket where we have been supporters of the club for several decades.
“We are very community focussed at Tiptree and share this philosophy with Essex Cricket. We look forward to working closely with both the men’s and the women’s teams and the fantastic cricket that lies ahead.”
The England Men under 19s are playing in a four day Test match at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground this summer!
They will face India Men under 19s, including 14-year old IPL superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player bought in an IPL auction after being selected by Rajasthan Royals. He is also the youngest player to score a century in IPL history!
Day one will begin on July 20 with the final day concluding on July 23.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get yourself down to CM2 to watch the next generation of international cricketers.
The Club would like to remind members and fans of the change in start time for two Essex Cricket fixtures that are to be played on Thursday June 12 at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
Set to be a double header thriller in Chelmsford, Essex Women will face off against Hampshire Hawks in the afternoon whilst Essex Men will showdown against Glamorgan in the evening.
The original start time for the Women's fixture was 3pm, but it has now been moved to 2:30pm.
The original start time for the Men's fixture was 7pm, but it has now been moved to 6:30pm.
Come down to Chelmsford this summer to watch the Eagles live in our new T20 shirt.
Tickets are still available via our Ticket Site, so have a browse and get your Vitality Blast T20 tickets booked.
