Search Results for: I

After three successful years, John Stephenson has decided to step down as Chief Executive of Essex Cricket after the conclusion of the 2024 playing season to pursue other projects.

He will remain at the Club until then to focus on regulatory issues and work with the Board on other strategic priorities.

Essex Chair Anu Mohindru KC said of John, who also played for the County in two spells: “He has shown outstanding leadership in guiding Essex through the last three years, and we are extremely sad to see him step down but we respect his reasons.

“These have been difficult times for the Club in facing historical allegations of racism, but we were extremely fortunate to have John as CEO. He was prepared to tackle the allegations head on, and in doing so demonstrated resolve, wisdom, fairness and integrity.

“During his tenure, we have been successful in securing a Women’s Tier One team and developing a clear vision and master plan for a new ground. He leaves this County in a stronger position and much better equipped to build for the future.

“John served the County as a player, Chief Executive and Interim Chair and so he is an integral part of Essex’s history. We respect his decision to leave, thank him for his immense contribution to the game and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

John, who was also MCC Head of Cricket from 2004 before moving to Essex, played Test cricket for England, as well as playing for and captaining Hampshire, said: “This has been a difficult decision to make as Essex has been in my bloodstream since the day I walked through the doors at Chelmsford in 1984.

“I am proud of what I achieved here. I have loved my time as Chief Executive and particularly enjoyed working with our diverse and talented board and our close-knit team of professional and dedicated staff.

“We have enjoyed success on the field and I am certain there is more to come. I wish everyone at the Club the very best for the future, which I am confident will be successful, building on the strong foundations which we, as a team, have built. I will always be willing to assist Essex in any way that I can in the future.”

Michael Pepper has been voted as the PCA Player of the Month for June following some fantastic displays in the domestic game, including his maiden Vitality Blast century against Middlesex.

He was shortlisted through the PCA’s Most Valuable Player Rankings, powered by Argentex, for his remarkable performances in June as the top four players according to the unique algorithm from the men’s and women’s game faced a public vote. The winners were decided by a 50:50 split between the PCA MVP Rankings and the supporters poll.

For the men’s category, Pepper won more than half the public vote alongside being the highest ranked player on the MVP Rankings in June. Following his England Test call up, Surrey’s Jamie Smith came second, whilst Warwickshire teammates Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley were third and fourth respectively.

Pepper follows his Eagles teammate, Jordan Cox who picked up the award for May.

In the women’s game, Kathryn Bryce also received the highest percentage of the public vote alongside being ranked the best player on the MVP Rankings to give her the award. Sunrisers Grace Scrivens climbed up to second with a strong public vote as Northern Diamonds’ Hollie Armitage finished third with Sarah Bryce in fourth.

Pepper voted best player in June

A phenomenal month from Pepper with the bat in the Vitality Blast saw him score 326 runs at an average of 54.3, earning him 170 MVP points.

The 26-year-old also portrayed his capabilities behind the stumps with 11 dismissals in the Vitality County Championship.

The wicketkeeper-batter won two Match MVP awards in June, his innings of 101 off 44 balls against Middlesex earned him the most MVP points of any Match MVP in the month with 55.

An innings of 76 off 42 balls against Kent also won him a Match MVP in the Battle of the Bridge as Essex won by five wickets.

Pepper will receive a bespoke Mappin & Webb trophy for winning the June PCA Player of the Month and described what it was like to win the accolade.

“It feels good to win it, I’d actually forgotten about being nominated with how busy the schedule is but it’s great to win against some other really good nominees.

“It’s always nice keeping the award at Essex with Coxy (Jordan Cox) winning it last month and I’ve been able to learn some valuable things off him, he’s an amazing player.

“We’re in a very strong position for competing for trophies but the schedule has been relentless. It’s been difficult with no rest days and jumping from T20 to red-ball, with all the travel as well and no time for training, it’s tough on the body and the mind.

“It’s great to hear that the fans are backing me, knowing that people are voting for you, is a great feeling and keeps you motivated.”

Essex return to T20 action on Friday following back-to-back Vitality County Championship matches. Somerset are the visitors to Chelmsford in what will be a repeat of the 2023 Vitality Blast Final at Edgbaston.

Both sides come into the fixture with the same number of wins, losses and points from the eight games so far this season, with the visitors having the upper hand on the Eagles earlier in the competition at Taunton.

This match will celebrate inclusivity within cricket and support Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which will include rainbow stumps, flags and in-ground activations.

The Club are also partnering with First Bus again to offer ticket holders free bus travel to and from The Cloud County Ground. Ticket holders can find further information in their Match Pack which we be sent by email to the ticket purchaser on Thursday.

At the innings break, four spectators will compete in the Thatchers Apple Roll challenge. To be in with a chance of taking part, enter here.

Prospect of Play

We are aware of inclement weather over Chelmsford throughout the day and advise keeping up to date on the match via our social media for the latest updates on play. The decision on play will be made by the match officials during the evening and not from either teams or the Club.

A wet weather policy is in place for Vitality Blast matches which can be reviewed IF the game is abandoned without a result.

If due to adverse weather conditions, 10 completed overs play or less is possible on the day of the match and the match has not been completed or a result obtained, the Club would refund the full ticket price (minus administration fee) to the purchaser without need for application. Wherever possible, the refund will be made to the credit/debit card used for payment.

Blast Pass Holders would be refunded on a pro rata basis at the culmination of the competition.

Gates Opening Times:

Gates will open at 5pm and spectators can enter the ground at the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate, located via Sky Blue Pastures. This 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 and security will be present throughout the fixture.

Matchday Timings:

Gates Open: 5pm
Toss: 6:30pm
First Innings: 7pm – 8:15pm
Interval: 8:15pm – 8:30pm
Second Innings: 8:30pm – 9:45pm

In-Ground Entertainment:

• New for 2024 is the Essex Fanzone, where supporters can purchases drinks, enjoy the beer garden and soak up the atmosphere.

• Look out for Eddie and Ellie the Eagles who will on the concourse from 5pm with an opportunity for selfies!

• Pick up your 4/6 cards on the gates when you arrive, plus your Blast glasses, t-shirts and activity books for our young Eagles fans.

• Thanks to our Principal Partners Woodland Group, junior fans will have the chance to win a T20 replica shirt and be our Young Eagle of the Match.

• At the innings break, two pairs of spectators will compete in the Thatchers Apple Roll challenge. To be in with a chance of taking part, enter here. To enter you must be a ticket holder and be over the age of 18.

Matchday Purchases:

The Cloud County 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 is the only location which accepts both card and cash payments.

Accessibility:

Accessible parking:
Due to increased demand on parking spaces, there are a very limited number of spaces located at The Cloud County Ground on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with accessibility requirements are recommended, where possible, to take advantage of our drop off system where cars can drop passengers with accessibility requirements and their companions as close to the gate as possible.

Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating is located in The Kenton Group Stand and in Block 1 of the Tom Pearce Stand Lower for this game.

Carers can enter the ground on a companion ticket which is free of charge and must be arranged in advance. 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.

We can also accept a Blue Badge and Access card.

Accessible Toilets:
Wheelchair accessible toilets are located behind the main scoreboard (Red Area), rear of the Doug Insole Pavilion (Blue Area) and adjacent to Block 25 at County Corner (Green Area).

New toilets are open for all spectators by Block 31, which includes wheelchair accessible cubicles. A Changing Places facility are also available by the Graham Gooch Cricket Centre

Ahead of Your Visit:

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 Twitter and Facebook channels.

Please note that the Prospect of Play phone line is no longer in use and all updates will be available online.

Travel:

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 Cloud County Ground.

• The High Chelmer multi-storey will be extending it’s opening times until 11pm.

• Essex Members are able to pre-book parking at Meteor Way car park for £2. It is essential to pre-book online as spaces on the day cannot be guaranteed. Book your parking space here.

Public Transport:
• Essex Cricket have recently announced a partnership with First Bus. Ticket holders will be able to claim free bus travel on the day of the fixture. A code to claim the free travel within the First Bus app will be circulated via the Match Pack sent on Thursday.

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 is operated by Greater Anglia and is an approximate 10-minute walk from The Cloud County Ground. Regular direct train services depart from Chelmsford to London, Stratford, Shenfield, Romford, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich. Chelmsford is situated on the Liverpool Street to Norwich mainline.

Ground Entry:

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.

Members:
• The Doug Insole Pavilion is open for Members upon the presentation of a valid ticket. This area accessible by entering the ground through the Main Gate.

General Public Seating:

• Supporters who have purchased tickets can enter the ground by scanning the QR on your tickets that has been sent to you via email following your purchase. If you choose to print out your ticket, please ensure that the match details (including name and seat details) are included as per the image below. Make sure you have your match ticket available on your phone or printed out so it is easily accessible for ticket scanning on arrival. Please do not take a ‘screen grab’ of your QR code as that will not be read by the scanners.

• The Eagles Area will be in use throughout the Vitality Blast. Seating in the Eagles Area is unallocated and on a first-come-first-served basis. You will not be able to enter the Eagles Area if you have bought an allocated ticket. There is also a section of unallocated seating in Block 26a.

• 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.

• Please note, Blocks 27, 28 and 29 are strictly alcohol-free. If you are seated in those Blocks you will not be permitted to take an alcoholic beverage to your seat.

Around the Ground:

• Spectators are not permitted to enter the field of play during a T20 match.

• Spectators are permitted to move behind the Doug Insole Pavilion but please respect the players’ area and walkway.

• The Club Store and Membership & Ticketing Office will be open for spectators for the duration of your visit.

• 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 ‘RESPECT’ including your stand and issue to 60066.

• Public Wi-Fi is available at The Cloud County 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.

• Fab Little Bag dispensers are located in all female and unisex toilets to allow an easy, discreet and environmentally friendly disposal of sanitary products.

• The Club has installed a faith and reflection room. This is available to spectators throughout the duration of the match and is 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.

• The Medical Centre is located opposite the Main Entrance. If you require medical attention please make your way there or contact your nearest steward.

Food & Drink:

• 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, including gourmet burgers, bratwurst and hog roast.

• The Greedy Vegan food van will be at the ground, serving a wide variety of vegan meals including loaded fries, vegan hot dogs and mac and cheese.

• Enjoy a range of spirits and cocktails at the Gin & Fizz bar by the Essex Fanzone.

• The Level Head Bar returns for 2024 in the Essex Fanzone and is the perfect space to relax with a drink in the beer garden and soak in the atmosphere.

• A new addition for this year is the 152 Bar. Located in the Essex Fanzone, the bar celebrates the heroics of Graham Napier’s world record innings and the most memorable T20 innings ever played at Chelmsford.

• 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.

• Anne’s Pantry will be offering a choice of homemade curries and other hot meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located at the Graham Gooch and Sir Alastair Cook ends as well as in the Food Court.

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 Spinner’s Bar.

• Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the ground for Vitality Blast fixtures. However, food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed providing there is no glass or sharp objects, including cutlery.

• Please note that The Cloud County Ground is a cashless ground, so please make sure you bring a suitable method of payment for your visit.

Leaving the Ground:

During T20 fixtures, spectators are not allowed to re-enter the ground after leaving.

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 The Cloud County Ground and further information regarding the match, including squad announcements and a full match preview will be available on 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.

Watch to watch the action

Fans can watch a live stream of the action via the Essex Cricket Matchzone where replays and statistics will also be available.

Commentary on the game will be provided by BBC Essex radio and can be accessed via the live stream or the BBC website.

Essex v Somerset | Glamorgan v Essex

Vitality Blast

The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Friday 05 July, 7:00pm | Sunday 07 July, 2:30pm

 
After a mid-group stage break for two rounds of the Vitality County Championship, the drama and breakneck speed of the Vitality Blast returns with six games over the course of the next two weeks.

The first two of those, for Essex, are a home clash with last season’s final opponents Somerset and a long trip west to Cardiff to take on Glamorgan.

The return to shortest-format action comes after Anthony McGrath’s side won their last two matches before the red-ball break, seeing off Hampshire Hawks at home and Kent Spitfires on the road.

Now, the Eagles will aim to bounce back from a Championship defeat to Surrey by maintaining their push for a third quarter-final in three years.

Squad

Head Coach McGrath has named a 12-player squad for the two matches.

Eathan Bosch, who has replaced Daniel Sams as Essex’s second T20 Blast overseas player, will be available from the home T20 match against Kent Spitfires on Thursday 11 July.

He joined the Club after a period of limited match practice, and subsequently, his workload is being managed following back-to-back Championship games.

The Opposition: Somerset

Defending champions Somerset may not quite have hit the highs this year of their record-breaking 2023 season, but they remain a strong force in the Blast.

Still in the mix to do what no English county has ever done before and defend their trophy, the West Country outfit currently sit third in the South Group, with five wins from their eight games.

Jason Kerr’s side initially suffered a patchy start to their campaign, with two losses from their opening three games, but the four-match winning streak that followed put them right back into contention.

Big-hitting young left-hander Will Smeed is their leading run-scorer, with his 236 narrowly putting him ahead of Tom Banton’s 231, while Ben Green has continued to be in the wickets, with 15 scalps so far.

Somerset squad: Lewis Gregory*, Will Smeed, Tom Banton, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, Sean Dickson, Tom Lammonby, Roelof van der Merwe, Ben Green, Josh Davey, Riley Meredith, Jake Ball, Jack Leach, Alfie Ogborne

Last Time We Met: Somerset

The two sides last met in May, as part of the Vitality Blast Off that launched the 2024 season, though it was a tough outing for the Eagles in Taunton as Somerset triumphed by four wickets.

Put in after losing the toss, Essex racked up what many thought could be a competitive score with 193-6, as Dean Elgar struck his first shortest-format Eagles fifty with 77 off 51.

The visitors kept themselves in contention for much of the chase, as Aaron Beard bowled well for 2/11 from three overs and Paul Walter picked up 2/28 from four.

However, a late surge from Tom Abell, who underpinned the innings with a 36-ball 55, and Lewis Gregory, who made 44 from 20, got the hosts over the line with five balls to spare.

The Opposition: Glamorgan

In contrast to the often-competitive Somerset, historically, things have been considerably more fallow in the Blast just across the Severn Estuary in Glamorgan.

The Welsh county are one of only five sides never to have won the competition, and are currently on a barren run of six consecutive seasons without a quarter-final spot.

There is little sign that that run might end any time soon, either, as they currently sit seventh in the South Group with just two wins and five defeats, five points off the top four.

Sam Northeast’s 216 runs mark him out as their leading batter, while Mason Crane has taken 12 wickets to top those standings ahead of the 10 claimed by Dan Douthwaite.

Glamorgan squad: TBC

Last Time We Met: Glamorgan

It was a heart-stopping affair the last time the Eagles encountered Glamorgan four weeks ago, with 19-year-old Luc Benkenstein’s batting proving crucial in securing a two-wicket win at home.

In Essex’s first floodlit outing at The Cloud County Ground in this season’s Blast, the hosts won the toss and elected to chase, with Glamorgan being restricted to 166-8 despite Colin Ingram’s 52 from 29.

Daniel Sams opened the innings with a wicket maiden on his way to 3/28, while Paul Walter collected 3/33, and the total felt very light once Adam Rossington had leathered 48 off 24 to start the chase.

A mid-innings stumble reduced the hosts to 106-7, but the prodigious Benkenstein, who hit an unbeaten 35 off 21, hung on to eventually reel off the winning four with eight balls to spare.

South Group Table

How To Watch

If you are not able to attend either or both matches, each will be live-streamed – on the usual EssexCricketTV YouTube channel and through the Essex Cricket Matchzone on Friday and then on hosts Glamorgan’s channel on Sunday afternoon.

A report will be published on the Club website at the conclusion of each game, while live updates and highlights from both will be provided on the Essex Cricket social media channels.

Tickets

A final handful of tickets remain available for the Somerset fixture on Friday, with prices starting at £33 for adults, £28 for young adults and students, and £10 for juniors.

The Kenton Group Stand at the Graham Gooch End of the ground is the designated family stand for this year’s Vitality Blast, with blocks 27-29 being alcohol-free and blocks 30 & 31 being the alcohol-tolerant family area.

Seats are in more plentiful supply for Sunday afternoon’s fixture in the Welsh capital, with all tickets, which start at an advance price of £18 for adults, £10 for students, and £3 for under-17s, being sold as general admission.

The few tickets that remain for the home game with Somerset are available on this link:

Meanwhile, tickets for the trip to Glamorgan can be purchased by clicking this link:

The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground

Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex are now back in Vitality Blast action for 2024.

With the Eagles sitting fourth in the South Group and firmly in contention for another knockout match, demand for tickets remains exceptionally high.

As Essex continue to aim towards going one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.

Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – buy here (FINAL FEW TICKETS)
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here

Eathan Bosch will replace Daniel Sams as Essex’s second overseas player for the remainder of this season’s Vitality Blast group stage.

Bosch, 26, was originally signed for four Vitality County Championship matches, and will now also be available to play in the T20 Blast.

The South African bowler has taken eight wickets at 24.12 apiece in two red-ball matches for the Eagles to date, and has previously played shortest-format cricket for Pretoria Capitals of the SA20.

In two seasons with the SuperSport Park outfit, Bosch has claimed 21 wickets at an average of 27.33, putting him seventh on the entire competition’s all-time list.

Bosch will be available from the home T20 match against Kent Spitfires on Thursday 11 July.

He joined the Club after a period of limited match practice, and subsequently, his workload is being managed following back-to-back Championship games.

The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground

Fresh from a Finals Day appearance last summer, Essex are now back in Vitality Blast action for 2024.

With the Eagles sitting fourth in the South Group and firmly in contention for another knockout match, demand for tickets remains exceptionally high.

As Essex continue to aim towards going one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.

Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – buy here (FINAL FEW TICKETS)
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here

Cricket celebrated and promoted equality on Saturday 29 June by participating in the London Pride March.

Essex staff joined members of the ECB’s LGBTQ+ Community in Cricket Employee Network at the UK’s largest Pride event, furthering efforts to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusivity in our sport.

This significant occasion highlights cricket’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ Community in Cricket Employee Network, one of four groups dedicated to making the game more inclusive, includes individuals working at the ECB, First Class Counties, National Counties, or partner organisations. Their vision is to make cricket more welcoming for LGBTQ+ people by collaborating with relevant organisations and clubs.

The march coincided with Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign within cricket and the Club will be supporting during the upcoming Vitality Blast match against Somerset on Friday 05 July with rainbow stumps, stickers, flags, and in-ground activations.

Cricket aims to be a sport where everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, feels welcome and can be themselves. This is the seventh year that cricket has united to support LGBTQ+ inclusion through the Rainbow Laces campaign, initially launched by Stonewall.

For more information:

• LGBTQ+ Community in Cricket Employee Network – visit here

• Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces Campaign – visit here

Daniel Sams has been ruled out of the remainder of Essex’s Vitality Blast campaign this summer due to a knee injury.

Sams, who returned for a third Blast stint at The Cloud County Ground after being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 tournament, sustained the injury against Sussex Sharks two weeks ago.

With that injury’s severity now clear, the decision has been taken for Sams to play no further part in this year’s Blast, and he has now returned home to Australia.

“It’s been great [to come back here],” said Sams. “My wife and I really enjoy coming back here, and we’ve made some really good friends with the guys and their partners.

“It is what it is. I’ve been pretty lucky throughout my career with injuries, so I’ll just have to go home now and recover as best as I can.”

Essex return to shortest-format action on Friday 05 July, with a return fixture against last season’s final opponents Somerset at The Cloud County Ground.

From there, Anthony McGrath’s men host further games against Kent Spitfires and Surrey, as well as facing trips to Glamorgan, Sussex Sharks, and Hampshire Hawks.