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New Lead Physiotherapist Vishal Kanji “can’t say enough nice things about Essex” but, at the busiest time of the season, admits the challenges of his role have been significant.

Kanji joined the Club from near-neighbours Middlesex before the start of the 2023 campaign, and while he has been delighted by the warmth of the welcome he has received, he says the last month has been especially hectic.

“All the coaching staff have been really nice, all the players have been really welcoming, and I think I’ve fitted in really well,” said Kanji. “It’s obviously weird coming from another club, but it’s been amazing.

“I think the lads have made a big effort with me, especially a lot of the senior players, and that’s obviously helped with the younger players as well. I can’t say enough nice things about Essex at the moment.”

The environment he joined may have bred positivity for Kanji, but he notes that, three months into his first season, the “relentless” schedule in the middle of the Vitality Blast group stage has been difficult to manage.

“Sometimes it’s absolutely impossible!” admits Kanji. “We were speaking [recently], and out of the last 21 days, we’ve had 16 days of play, three days of travel, and maybe about two days off.

“It’s been absolutely relentless, and going between red ball and white ball, then back to red ball, has been almost impossible to manage. We’ve just had to do the best that we could in terms of workload management, and in terms of each player and their little niggles.

“It’s just taking it day by day, and having good monitoring of each player, especially the bowlers, who are having to do lots of hard work,” he continues.

“We have to use the bowling coaches’ and the senior players’ experience of the whole playing group and how they deal with a busy schedule as well as their bodies.

“It’s just about managing it day to day, though, because that’s about the only thing we can really do!”

The constant nature of the schedule has led to several players having to be rested, though Kanji is keen to point out that the benefits of break from playing are not entirely centred on physical fitness.

In addition, that feeds into how Kanji’s work is player-centred, but also how he takes an approach that keeps the needs of each situation in mind, drawing on his experience to emphasise that every player and group is different.

“In a busy schedule, resting players is vitally important for their mental and social well-being as much as their physical well-being,” says Kanji. “Having an eye on the bigger picture is vitally important for us all.

“It’s like with everything, when you work with different populations or different patient groups, you just have to understand people’s personalities.”

He adds: “I got to know the players and coaches first, and once you get to know those fundamentals then it shapes how you do your job.

“Things that worked well at Middlesex may not work well here, so it’s just about finding that recipe of how things are done here at Essex while thinking ‘how can I add my spin on things’?

“I’ve just tried to bring things in slowly, and I think the coaches have been receptive to it all. It’s been a big change, but a very positive one.”

Essex v Kent Spitfires | Hampshire Hawks v Essex
Vitality Blast

The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford | Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Thursday 22 June, 7:00pm | Friday 23 June, 7:00pm

Essex go into back-to-back fixtures against Kent Spitfires and Hampshire Hawks knowing that victories would go a long way to securing a spot in the Vitality Blast quarter finals.

After a highly promising campaign, the Eagles sit clear in third place in the South Group on 14 points, four points clear of Kent and Glamorgan who are both vying for a spot in the top four.

Two tough fixtures await, with the Spitfires on a four-game winning streak and the Hawks enjoying another good season in the Vitality Blast.

The Eagles have benefitted from incredible home support again this year with Thursday’s fixture against Kent and the final home group stage match against Middlesex both sold out.

Squad:

Head Coach Anthony McGrath has named a 14-player squad that will face both Kent Spitfires and Hampshire Hawks.

Sam Cook is the player to drop out of the squad as his workload is managed during a busy schedule.

The Opposition: Kent

Squad: Sam Billings (C), Wes Agar, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Alex Blake, Jordan Cox, Joe Denly, Joey Evison, Michael Hogan, Jack Leaning, George Linde, Tawanda Muyeye, Matt Quinn, Grant Stewart

Captain: Sam Billings
Overseas players: Wes Agar (Australia), George Linde (South Africa)
Finals Day appearances: 4 (2007, 2008, 2009,2021)
Titles: 2 (2007, 2021)
2022 finish: Group Stage
2023 leading run-scorer: Daniel Bell-Drummond (407)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Michael Hogan (19)

Last Time Out:

Essex took the bragging rights in the first Battle of the Bridge in Canterbury two weeks ago, as Sam Cook ripped through the Spitfires’ top order with a fifth-over hat trick on his way to eye-catching figures of 4-18.

Cook’s efforts, which included his removals of England internationals Joe Denly and Sam Billings, helped restrict Kent to 150/8, before Matt Critchley hit 63 off just 46 balls to steer the Eagles home with ten balls to spare.

The last meeting between the sides at Chelmsford also saw Essex complete a successful chase with Cook again starring, this time taking 2-14 as Kent limped to 130/9.

In marching to their target, the Eagles barely broke a sweat as Michael Pepper struck a 29-ball half-century and Paul Walter contributed 33 off 16 to win with 4.3 overs remaining.

The Opposition: Hampshire

Squad: James Vince (C), Toby Albert, Mason Crane, Scott Currie, Liam Dawson, Aneurin Donald, Nathan Ellis, James Fuller, Benny Howell, Ben McDermott, John Turner, Joe Weatherley, Ross Whiteley, Chris Wood

Captain: James Vince
Overseas players: Nathan Ellis (Australia), Ben McDermott (Australia)
Finals Day appearances: 9 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022)
Titles: 3 (2010, 2012, 2022)
2022 finish: Champions
2023 leading run-scorer: James Vince (491)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Nathan Ellis (14)

Last Time Out:

Shane Snater will be hoping Friday night’s visit to the Ageas Bowl will be as good to him as his most recent trip there last August, when he hit a half-century and took three wickets in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

If he can pull off a similar all-round showing on the south coast, it would go a long way to helping Essex avenge their defeat to the Hawks the last time the sides met in a T20 in Southampton.

In that encounter, Ben Allison returned career best T20 figures of 3-33, including taking the prize wicket of Ben McDermott with his first ball, but the Eagles fell short of chasing down the hosts’ 155/6.

Defending champions Hampshire also won at Chelmsford three weeks ago, but if good omens are a thing, the Eagles can take heart from the fact that last season, the sides won one game each against one another.

Essex convincingly saw off the Hawks by eight wickets, as Sam Cook and Simon Harmer both took 2-16 to restrict the visitors to 150/6, before Michael Pepper blasted a 42-ball 75 to win the match with six full overs to spare.

South Group Table:

Squad Fitness Update:

Essex Cricket Lead Physiotherapist Vishal Kanji caught up with Essex Cricket TV to discuss his move to Essex and the challenges of keeping a fit and match ready squad during a packed schedule.

Tickets:

Tickets are still available for Sunday’s LV= Insurance County Championship fixture against Warwickshire. After a win against Somerset last time out, Essex will look to make it two wins in a row with the aim of chasing table toppers Surrey.

How To Watch:

Both matches will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone with Friday’s stream being provided by our hosts, Hampshire. On Thursday, join Simon Ward for coverage of Essex’s match against Kent, which will also be available to watch on Essex Cricket TV’s YouTube channel.

Clips, statistics and an interactive scorecard will still be available for both games with full match coverage on the Club’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.

The Battle of the Bridge returns to Chelmsford with a crucial game in the context of this year’s Vitality Blast South Group.

Essex will be aiming to get one foot in the Vitality Blast quarter finals, while Kent will be looking to extend their four-game winning streak and make a late push for a quarter final spot.

In-Ground Entertainment:

• Head to the new ‘Level Head Bar’ located behind the Doug Insole Pavilion before and during play. Our new bar area is in partnership with Greene King and your opportunity to soak up the atmosphere ahead of play in the company of our live musicians who will be performing throughout the build up to the match.

• We are joined by local musician, Sean Lomas, who will be entertaining spectators at the Woodland Group Stage.

Come and enjoy a drink and the live music from 6pm-7pm on the Woodland Group Stage.

Gates Opening Times:

The entry gates to The Cloud County Ground will be open from 5pm via the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate, which is the closest entrance from Chelmsford City Centre and Chelmsford Bus/Train Stations.

Spectators are advised to arrive early to make the most of your matchday and allow you time to locate your seat.

Scheduled Hours of Play:

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

Matchday Tickets:

Supporters who still have secured a ticket for this game can hit the link below to be part of the Blast on Monday.

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.
Find out more – here

Accessibility:

Accessible parking:
Spaces are located at The Cloud County Ground and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating is located in The Kenton Group Stand (Hayes Close End) 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).

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 open and closes at 11pm for this fixture.

• Meteor Way will be open for Members from three hours before the start of play and on a first-come, first-served basis. This car park will close 30 minutes after play has concluded.

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 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.

Please note that there will be a disrupted train service on Friday due to a train strike. For further information and to view the revised timetable, please visit Greater Anglia – here.

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 and Membership card. 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 is unallocated seating, which are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

• 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 28 and 29 are strictly alcohol-free. If you are seated in either Block 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.

• Scorecards will be available for £1 from the Club Store for cash or card payment.

• 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.

• Fan 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.

Food & Drink:

• The Food Court is located in the blue area of the ground by the Essex Cricket Store which includes hog roast for this match.

• The Level Head Bar is new for 2023! This new area in partnership with Greene King brings you live music and beer garden vibes to enjoy before and throughout your evening with us.

• The Doug Insole Pavilion will be welcoming Members 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 hot meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located in the Hayes Close End, River End and will also be operating a Food Court outside the Essex Cricket Store.

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 such as cutlery.

• Please note that The Cloud County Ground is now a cashless ground for 2023, 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 reenter the ground after leaving.

At the conclusion of the game, 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 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 The Action On the Move

Our Live Stream will be available for spectators with multi-angled ball tracking, replays and commentary from Simon Ward and Club legend Graham Napier.

Head to the Essex Cricket Matchzone to watch the action live, plus view an interactive scorecard, stats and individual match clips.

>> Visit Matchzone

We are days away from celebrating the anniversary of Essex’s most memorable batting displays.

On 24 June 2008, Graham Napier struck a world record 152 not out, which included 16 sixes against Sussex Sharks in a T20 match at Chelmsford.

On Monday evening for the Vitality Blast match against Somerset, the Club welcomed back one of their own to relive Napes’ time at the Club. It will be 15 years this year since that special night and one that will live long in the memory for everyone associated with the Club.

Graham Napier was given a heroes welcome onto the pitch the interval as he spoke about his time at Essex and the special times he enjoyed during a long and illustrious career in cricket.

Middlesex v Essex

Vitality Blast

Lord’s Cricket Ground

Team News:

Essex: Feroze Khushi, Robin Das, Michael Pepper, Paul Walter, Matt Critchley, Josh Rymell, Daniel Sams, Will Buttleman (wk), Simon Harmer (c), Shane Snater, Sam Cook.

Middlesex: Stephen Eskinazi (c), Joe Cracknell, Ryan Higgins, Max Holden, John Simpson (wk), Jack Davies, Luke Hollman, Joshua De Caires, Martin Andersson, Nathan Fernandes, Tom Helm.

Match Details:

Umpires: Chris Watts & Paul Pollard
Match Referee: Peter Such
Toss: Middlesex won and elected to bowl
Result: Essex won by 22 runs (DLS)

Scorecard: View Here

Match Highlights:

Match Reaction: Dan Sams

Match Report:

Three Essex players smashed their highest scores of this year’s Vitality Blast to strengthen the Eagles’ quarter-final prospects as they saw off Middlesex at Lord’s for a fifth consecutive victory.

Dan Lawrence opened the batting and struck 53 from 30 balls before Michael Pepper hit 64 from 34 and Daniel Sams weighed in with a savage 24-ball knock of 67.

That enabled the visitors to post 237 for six, overhauling the record Lord’s T20 total set by Kent Spitfires just two days earlier, and they were well on course to defend that when rain brought the game to a premature close.

Middlesex, who have now lost all 10 of their South Group fixtures, had reached 116 for two halfway through the 13th over – needing an unlikely 122 more from 45 deliveries.

Despite a slow start after losing the toss and being inserted, Essex were into their stride once Lawrence – who dominated the strike in the powerplay – had pummelled successive Tom Helm deliveries for four and six.

The 25-year-old was in ruthless mood, striking the ball powerfully and using his feet as he cracked spinner Nathan Fernandes into the pavilion en route to bringing up a half-century from 26 balls.

However, Feroze Khushi holed out off Martin Andersson and his opening partner followed suit, steering the same bowler into the hands of point – but Pepper eagerly accepted the baton, unfurling the sweep to dispatch Middlesex’s spinners time and again.

He punched Josh de Caires to the cover boundary to equal the scoring rate for Lawrence’s 50 and looked well-placed to convert that into a maiden T20 ton – only to become another Andersson victim when he speared to third man.

Paul Walter took advantage of the short boundary on the grandstand side, clearing it twice in his first three balls and Sams proved even more destructive, smashing eight sixes as the pair added 62 from 27 for the fifth wicket.

The Australian all-rounder butchered Middlesex’s bowling, taking 20 off four deliveries of the final over from Fernandes before departing to a return catch, but it looked as though the visitors already had more than enough in the bank.

Stephen Eskinazi plundered two sixes from Sam Cook’s opening over to get his side’s reply up and running, yet a barren stretch of 28 balls without a boundary left them well behind the required run-rate.

Sams uprooted the skipper’s leg stump for 28, but Ryan Higgins took a pugnacious approach by pulling Matt Critchley twice over the short boundary as he shared a second-wicket stand of 70 from 36 with Joe Cracknell.

Lawrence came on to break the partnership by having Higgins caught in the deep for 32, with Cracknell undefeated on 36 from 33 when rain halted play midway through the next over.

Middlesex v Essex | Essex v Somerset
Vitality Blast
Lord’s | The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
Sunday 18 June, 2:30pm | Monday 19 June, 7pm

After another raucous night at Chelmsford and the Eagles completing a fourth win on the bounce, a rest day will be followed by back-to-back games against Middlesex and Somerset.

A glance at the South Group table will show you that the Eagles form has propelled them into 3rd place, with a game in hand on those immediately around them.

Sunday’s fixture against Middlesex will be played at Lord’s before the Eagles return home for a heavyweight clash against fellow qualification candidates Somerset, tickets for this game are still available.

Did you know? …Essex have won 9 of the last 11 T20s played at The Cloud County Ground.

Squad:

Head Coach Anthony McGrath has named a 15-player squad that will face both Middlesex and Somerset.

Just one change has been made to the squad from Friday’s game against Glamorgan with Josh Rymell making way and Dan Lawrence returning from England duty.

The Opposition: Middlesex

Captain: Steven Eskinazi
Overseas players: Pieter Malan (South Africa)
Finals Day appearances: 1 (2008)
Titles: 1 (2008)
2022 finish: Ninth
2023 leading run-scorer: Max Holden (315)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Blake Cullen (8)

After a difficult T20 campaign in 2022, Middlesex would have been hoping for their fortunes to turn in 2023, however it has been more of the same for the North-West London side who are yet to record their first win.

Despite the poor results, there is plenty of quality in the XI in the likes of Steven Eskinazi and young batter Max Holden, who scored his second T20 century last time out against Kent Spitfires.

Last Time Out:

When the two sides last met at Lord’s, Essex ran out winners by 21 runs.

Batting first, Essex managed a par score of 161-6, thanks to half-centuries from Dan Lawrence and Tom Westley.

Needing a good start with the ball, Sam Cook provided just that with a stunning triple-wicket maiden.

Despite residence from Steven Eskinazi and Jack Davies, Middlesex never managed to recover and finished on 140-8.

The Opposition: Somerset

Captain: Lewis Gregory
Overseas players: Matt Henry (New Zealand), Peter Siddle (Australia)
Finals Day appearances: 8 (2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2021, 2022)
Titles: 1 (2005)
2022 finish: Semi Finals
2023 leading run-scorer: Tom Kohler-Cadmore (295)
2023 leading wicket-taker: Ben Green (20)

Somerset were the pace setters in the South Group, winning their first six fixtures. Since then, they’ve won one from three and have lost Peter Siddle to injury, but a batting order packed with firepower and International quality in the bowling ranks will make them a stiff opposition.

Last Time Out:

Essex will be looking to take convert their form against Somerset in the red-ball arena into the shorter formats, with their opposition getting the better of recent meetings.

Essex would have been dissapointed not to chase down the 151 to win set by Somerset at Taunton earlier in the campaign.

When the two sides last met at Chelmsford, Essex met an in-form Rilee Rossouw who blasted Somerset to Essex’s total despite Michael Pepper hitting a career best 86*.

South Group Table:

Tickets:

Tickets are still available for Monday’s match against Somerset and can be purchased online from just £28 for Adults and £10 for Juniors.

How To Watch:

Both matches will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone with Sunday’s stream being provided by our hosts. On Monday, join Simon Ward and a special guest for coverage of Essex’s match against Somerset, which will also be available to watch on Essex Cricket TV’s YouTube channel.

Clips, statistics and an interactive scorecard will still be available for both games with full match coverage on the Club’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Following the trip to Lord’s on Sunday, Essex embark on back-to-back Vitality Blast home games for the first time this season with the visit of Somerset first up on Monday.

Our visitors currently sit in second place and the Eagles will be looking for revenge after a defeat in Taunton this year.

In-Ground Entertainment:

• Head to the new ‘Level Head Bar’ located behind the Doug Insole Pavilion before and during play. Our new bar area is in partnership with Greene King and your opportunity to soak up the atmosphere ahead of play in the company of our live musicians who will be performing throughout the build up to the match.

• We are joined by local band, Navarro who will be entertaining the crowd ahead of play and during the interval.

Come and enjoy a drink and the live music from 6pm-7pm on the Woodland Group stage.

Gates Opening Times:

The entry gates to The Cloud County Ground will be open from 5pm via the Main Entrance on New Writtle Street or the Tees River Gate, which is the closest entrance from Chelmsford City Centre and Chelmsford Bus/Train Stations.

Spectators are advised to arrive early to make the most of your matchday and allow you time to locate your seat.

Scheduled Hours of Play:

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

Matchday Tickets:

Supporters who still have secured a ticket for this game can hit the link below to be part of the Blast on Monday.

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.
Find out more – here

Accessibility:

Accessible parking:
Spaces are located at The Cloud County Ground and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessible Seating:
Accessible seating is located in The Kenton Group Stand (Hayes Close End) 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).

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 open and closes at 11pm for this fixture.

• Meteor Way will be open for Members from three hours before the start of play and on a first-come, first-served basis. This car park will close 30 minutes after play has concluded.

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 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.

Please note that there will be a disrupted train service on Friday due to a train strike. For further information and to view the revised timetable, please visit Greater Anglia – here.

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 and Membership card. 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 is unallocated seating, which are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

• 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 28 and 29 are strictly alcohol-free. If you are seated in either Block 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.

• Scorecards will be available for £1 from the Club Store for cash or card payment.

• 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.

• Fan 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.

Food & Drink:

• The Food Court is located in the blue area of the ground by the Essex Cricket Store which includes hog roast for this match.

• The Level Head Bar is new for 2023! This new area in partnership with Greene King brings you live music and beer garden vibes to enjoy before and throughout your evening with us.

• The Doug Insole Pavilion will be welcoming Members 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 hot meals, cakes/snacks, and drinks from their refreshment kiosks located in the Hayes Close End, River End and will also be operating a Food Court outside the Essex Cricket Store.

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 such as cutlery.

• Please note that The Cloud County Ground is now a cashless ground for 2023, 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 reenter the ground after leaving.

At the conclusion of the game, 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 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 The Action On the Move

Our Live Stream will be available for spectators with multi-angled ball tracking, replays and commentary from Simon Ward and Club legend Graham Napier.

Head to the Essex Cricket Matchzone to watch the action live, plus view an interactive scorecard, stats and individual match clips.

>> Visit Matchzone

Essex v Glamorgan
Vitality Blast
The Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
Friday 16 June, 7pm

After victory in the LV= Insurance County Championship again Somerset earlier this week, attention returns back to the Vitality Blast with the first of 5 games before another red-ball match in late June.

Squad:

Aaron Beard is back to match fitness and named in the Eagles’ Vitality Blast squad for the first time this season with Head Coach Anthony McGrath naming a 15-player squad for the Friday night under lights.

Adam Rossington remains sidelined with a finger injury but Michael Pepper has recovered from his similar injury during the Championship break.

The Opposition: Glamorgan

Matchday Squad: Kiran Carlson (c), Chris Cooke, Andy Gorvin, Peter Hatzoglou, Colin Ingram, Ben Kellaway, Jamie McIlroy, Sam Northeast, Billy Root, Prem Sisodiya, Ruaidhri Smith, Callum Taylor, Zain ul Hassan, Timm van der Gugten.

Captain: Kiran Carlson
Overseas players: Colin Ingram (South Africa), Peter Hatzoglou (Australia)
Finals Day appearances: 2 (2004, 2017)
Titles: 0
2023 leading run-scorer so far: Colin Ingram (322)
2023 leading wicket-taker so far: Jamie McIlroy (11)

Last time out:

Glamorgan v Essex – Vitality Blast – Essex won by 51 runs

Essex’s last game in the Vitality Blast was also against Glamorgan and it was Simon Harmer’s team who secured the win in Cardiff. A career-best 78 from Paul Walter set up a 51-run victory as Essex set an impressive 226-9 at Sophia Gardens last Friday evening.

Essex’s total was the second highest ever made at Sophia Gardens with only Surrey’s total a week earlier being higher.

Essex lost wickets regularly but kept on coming at the Glamorgan bowlers. The innings had just one stand of more than 50 runs but there were important contributions throughout.

Glamorgan started well in their chase but fell away as they looked to keep up with the rate. Colin Ingram top scored with 48 but no Glamorgan batter made a half century as they were bowled out for 175 with Peter Hatzoglou unable to bat.

Paul Walter was the star player wit his record innings coming off just 31 balls to ultimately put the game out of Glamorgan’s reach and secure a third win on the bounce heading into Friday’s match at Chelmsford.

How To Watch:

The big clash between Glamorgan and Essex will be streamed live from Chelmsford with a free multi-camera production available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone and Club YouTube channel.

Clips, statistics and an interactive scorecard will be available, as well as full match coverage on the Club’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.