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The MCC awarded Honorary Life Membership to some of the world’s finest cricketers yesterday, including Essex’s Alastair Cook, as well as former players Hashim Amla, Grant Flower and Harbhajan Singh.

Cook is England’s leading Test run-scorer with 12,472 runs and captained the national side between 2010 and 2016. He retired in 2018 and scored a century during his final innings against India at The Kia Oval, meaning that he made a ton in both his first and last Test match for England. During his Test career, he scored 33 centuries, whilst his average was an impressive 45.35.

Hashim Amla is one of four South African legends to be awarded Life Membership. Hashim scored 18,672 runs for his country across all formats in an International career that lasted 16 years. He had a stint with Essex in 2009, playing five matches across Championship and List A cricket. He scored 543 runs during those fixtures, with centuries in both competitions.

Grant Flower has been recognised for his 10,000 International runs for Zimbabwe in 288 matches. Flower made both his Test and One-Day debuts in 1992, and played for Essex between 2005 and 2010, becoming a cult hero at Chelmsford.

Harbhajan has been recognised for his contribution to Indian cricket. The 41-year-old is India’s third-highest Test wicket-taker, with 417 dismissals in 103 Tests, having made his debut against Australia back in 1998. Singh played for Essex during the 2012 season, taking 24 wickets across all formats.

Guy Lavender, Chief Executive & Secretary of MCC, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to welcome our newest Honorary Life Members of MCC. The cricketers announced are among the greatest International players of their generation.

“We are privileged to now count them as valued Members of our Club.”

Some of Essex’s star players will be coaching at Club Cricket Academy this Half Term, and there’s still time for you to book your place.

The likes of Adam Wheater, Jamie Porter, Sam Cook and Aaron Beard are signed up with Club Cricket Academy and will be coaching at Harris Academy, Ockendon this Half Term.

With courses specialising in batting fundamentals, T20 batting & power-hitting, fast, seam and swing bowling as well as wicketkeeping, there is something for everyone, with age groups ranging from under 9’s right the way through to u16’s.

Prices start at £30 per session with a special price of £110 available for a full week pass. To book your place, please click here.

Essex County Cricket Club have been praised for the quality of the pitches produced by Head Groundsman Stuart Kerrison and his team for the two England Women’s International fixtures at The Cloudfm County Ground in 2021.

The ratings are awarded by The ICC, who award a rating on the performance of the pitch and the outfield for every Test Match, One-Day International and T20 played between all full and associate member nations.

Pitches and outfields are marked after the match has ended by The ICC Match Referee on duty. The rating is then provided as feedback to the host Member Board to assist in future pitch and outfield preparations for International matches.

The Cloudfm County Ground hosted two International fixtures in 2021, the first being a T20I between England and West Indies in July, for which the Club were awarded a ‘very good’ pitch rating as well as a ‘good’ outfield rating. The second International was also a T20I between England and New Zealand in September, for which the Club were awarded a ‘very good’ rating for both pitch rating and outfield standards.

Head Groundsman, Stuart Kerrison, commented: “It’s always nice to be recognised for the hard work we put in here at Chelmsford.

“The team work incredibly hard to prepare the best pitches and outfields possible throughout the year, not only for the International matches.

“It’s been a challenging schedule which has made these marks even more pleasing and hopefully we’ll be able to host more International fixtures in 2022.”

The LV= Insurance County Championship will return to two divisions next season following a vote by the chairs of the 18 first-class Counties.

The return to a two-division LV= Insurance County Championship, after two Covid-affected seasons, will see the competition move to the 10:8 structure that was agreed by the first-class Counties prior to the pandemic.

2022 LV= Insurance County Championship structure:

• Counties will play in two divisions. There will be 10 counties in Division One and eight in Division Two with a two-up, two-down promotion-and-relegation system.
• Each county is due to play 14 LV= Insurance County Championship matches.
• The Counties will be placed into the division that they had qualified to compete in had the 2020 LV= Insurance County Championship taken place.

The England and Wales Cricket Board’s role ahead of this week’s vote has been to facilitate discussions between the Counties and provide the options available to them.

The priority of those discussions has been to determine when and how a return to the two-division structure – featuring 10 Counties in Division One and eight in Division Two as agreed by Counties following the 2018 Domestic Playing Programme (DPP) – could best be achieved.

The process to transition to that structure had begun during the 2019 LV= Insurance County Championship. At the end of that season three Counties were promoted from Division Two (Lancashire, Northamptonshire, Gloucestershire) while the last-placed Division One county (Nottinghamshire) was relegated.

A two-division LV= Insurance County Championship has, however, not taken place since then due to Covid-19.

It has always been the intention of the first-class Counties and the ECB to return to the two-division structure at the earliest opportunity.

After the first-class Counties voted to change the format of men’s first-class cricket in 2020 and 2021 to mitigate against the impact of Covid-19, this week’s vote also considered the option to play one further year of the seeded group structure that was successfully staged this summer.

Although there was support from counties to use the 2022 season as a way to step back to a two-divisional structure, there was not the two-thirds majority that was required under the ECB Articles.

The LV= Insurance County Championship will, therefore, be played in the new two-divisional structure from next season.

2022 LV= Insurance County Championship – Division One

Essex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Lancashire, Northamptonshire, Somerset, Surrey, Warwickshire, Yorkshire.

2022 LV= Insurance County Championship – Division Two

Durham, Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Nottinghamshire, Sussex, Worcestershire.

Tribute Nights return to Essex Cricket in 2021 with two great acts performing at The Cloudfm County Ground.

Our first night of Queen classics with Freddie Mercury takes place on Friday 15 October but is now sold out. However, there is still an opportunity to join us this year for an evening of Robbie Williams.

Robbie Williams by MB is one of the finest Robbie Williams tribute acts on the circuit and he will be taking to the stage on Friday 5 November.

Situated in the Scrutton Bland Premier Suite, our Tribute Nights come with a variety of perks including free parking, a fully-stocked bar and a set by our in-house DJ to finish the night. There is also the option to enjoy a one-course hot meal before the show for an additional £10.

Please note: There is no wheelchair access at the venue.

Robbie Williams

Friday 5 November, 7:30pm

 
Internationally renowned Robbie Williams Tribute by MB has been impersonating ‘Mr. Entertainer’ all over the world since 2003. He has built up an impeccable reputation with his attention to detail, energetic stage presence, cheeky attitude, costume changes, tattoos and mannerisms. Robbie Williams Tribute by MB has been a regular cast member of two of the most prestigious award-winning tribute shows in Europe, as well as being a regular fixture on the international cruise circuit.

“a pinpoint study of an artist” Peter Hepple – The Stage

“simply the best Robbie Williams act I have come across”

If you would like any further information, please feel free to call us on 01245 254036 or email [email protected].

England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood has named a 17-player squad for the Ashes tour of Australia starting in November, which includes Essex batter, Dan Lawrence.

All 17 players have been capped at Test level and is the strongest available squad selected by Silverwood. Ten of the 17 will be touring Australia in an Ashes series for the first time, including vice-captain Jos Buttler.

England Men’s Test Squad – Ashes Tour of Australia 2021-22:

Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Dom Bess (Yorkshire)
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Rory Burns (Surrey)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Zak Crawley (Kent)
Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire)
Dan Lawrence (Essex)
Jack Leach (Somerset)
Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
Craig Overton (Somerset)
Ollie Pope (Surrey)
Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)

Nottinghamshire seamer Stuart Broad, who is to embark on his fourth Ashes tour, is making excellent progress from his torn right calf sustained in the summer during the Test series against India. Next week, he is set to return to bowling at The ECB Performance Centre in Loughborough, where the Ashes and Lions squads will prepare for the Australia tour.

Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran was not considered for selection after a second scan has confirmed that he has a stress fracture in his lower back. More detail regarding his management and likely return will follow after further specialist consultation.

Durham’s Ben Stokes was not available for selection and continues to take an indefinite break from all cricket to prioritise his mental wellbeing and rehabilitation from his injured left index finger.

As confirmed on Friday, the Ashes tour is subject to several critical conditions being met by Cricket Australia before the team travels in November. However, positive ongoing discussions continue, and it is hoped matters will be resolved in due course.

Commenting on the squad, England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood, said:

“A tour of Australia is the pinnacle as an England Test cricketer. I am delighted that all of our available players have committed to the tour. We are looking forward to touring and enjoying the experience of this historic series.

“This is why we play and coach to be involved in iconic series like this. More than half of our squad haven’t featured in an Ashes tour before, which means we will be fresh and looking to embrace the cricket and the excitement of touring one of the best places in the world.

“I believe we have selected a well-balanced squad with options in all areas and a blend of youth and experience. There is real competition for places and a genuine desire to work hard and compete, aiming to create some history.

“We are under no illusions about how difficult the task is going to be. Australia have been strong at home in the past, and there is an expectation on them to win this series. However, from our point of view, there is genuine excitement and belief that we can do something special.

“Both teams are in similar positions in the Test world rankings. For that reason, it should be a compelling series. We can enjoy the build-up to the tour, get out there, and prepare well ahead of the first Test in Brisbane.

“Having the Lions with the Ashes squad will be integral to our build-up. The extended group of players will be with us before the first Test. We will play two competitive warm-up games amongst both squads to give us the match practice we need as part of our build-up. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect the Lions into the England environment and gain a good understanding of what is required to play at the highest level.”

The Lions party for the Australian training camp will be announced in due course.

England’s Test specialists and the Lions squad are set to depart, subject to conditions being granted, on Thursday 4 November.

Players selected, who are part of England’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, will join the tour after their tournament commitments.

Dates and venues for England’s warm-up matches against the Lions will be confirmed and released by Cricket Australia in due course. There will be a three-day and a four-day match planned.

November 2021

4 November:

Test specialists and Lions depart.

December 2021

8-12 December:
1st Test, Australia v England, Gabba, Brisbane

16-20 December:
2nd Test, Australia v England (D/N), Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

26-30 December:
3rd Test, Australia v England, MCG, Melbourne

January 2022

5-9 January:
4th Test, Australia v England, SCG, Sydney

14-18 January:
5th Test, Australia v England, Optus Stadium, Perth

John Stephenson started his new role at The Cloudfm County Ground this week, taking over Chief Executive duties from John Faragher following the departure of Derek Bowden last year.

It was announced in late July that the former Essex, Hampshire and England cricketer would be returning to Chelmsford after 17 years with the MCC, in which he had a range of roles, the last being the General Manager of the London Spirit Men’s and Women’s teams in The Hundred.

The 56-year-old sat down with Essex Cricket TV to discuss his first week at Chelmsford and a host of topics, including the ground redevelopment plans, player contracts, the challenges he expects to face and his aspirations for the new few seasons.

Watch Here:

Essex County Cricket Club are pleased to confirm that opening batter, Nick Browne, has signed a contract extension and will stay with the Club until at least the end of the 2023 season.

The 30-year-old made his first-class debut in 2013 and has scored 6,182 first-class runs for the side at an average of 38.16.

Browne has been hugely influential for Essex over recent years, with his runs contributing to the Club winning two Division Two and two Division One titles, as well as the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy.

He joins the list of homegrown players who have committed their futures to Club in recent weeks, with Sam Cook, Dan Lawrence and Jamie Porter all signing contract extensions at Chelmsford.

Browne is delighted to extend his stay and said: “I’m thrilled to sign an extension and prolong my time at the Club by another two years, as Essex is my boyhood team and extremely close to my heart.

“We have a hugely talented squad and we weren’t up to our normal standards last year. Nobody was more frustrated about that than us, so in 2022 we’ll look to come back strong and challenge for the top trophies.

“We also have an amazing fan base and the support we get is up there with the best in the country. The Members and fans are extremely loyal and passionate, and it’s a joy to play in front of them on a regular basis.”

Essex Chief Executive Officer, John Stephenson, added: “Nick is an important player for us, so I’m delighted he’s signed up for another two years.

“He’s been a vital part of the Club’s red-ball success over the last six years, and it’s not a surprise that his best seasons with the bat have coincided with the team winning trophies.

“Hopefully Nick will be back to his best next year and we can look forward to some excellent displays with him opening the batting.”

During the season we offered five fans the chance to put their faith in their cricketing heroes with huge prizes on the line. The cricketers in question were Club Captain Tom Westley, Essex Eagles T20 Captain Simon Harmer, Essex legend Ryan ten Doeschate and breakthrough player Will Buttleman. Their task was simple, they had one over of throwdowns in order to hit one of the targets and win a prize for a fan. This competition was supported by Trade Nation.

Before you find out how they got on, Trade Nation are offering you the chance to win a signed shirt and two tickets to a 2022 season LV= Insurance County Championship fixture of your choice with the full hospitality treatment if you can guess how many times the cricketers hit the target during the video. Enter below and then continue down to watch the video.