Essex County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that Donovan Miller has been appointed the Club’s Pathway Fast Bowling Lead Coach.
A former Essex 2nd XI player, Miller has a huge amount of coaching experience around the world which included stints as Head Coach for Caribbean Premier League side the Jamaica Tallawahs and Jozi Stars in South Africa’s Mzansi Super League. In 2019 Miller also assisted England’s World Cup preparation and worked closely with the Ashes squad.
The 43-year-old coach will work closely with the Academy Director and Player Pathway Manager to identify, develop and transition a strong pool of fast bowlers whilst leading on selection and identification of fast bowlers during the assessment phase within the pathway.
Miller has also previously worked with several current Essex first team bowlers, including Jamal Richards, Sam Cook, Jamie Porter and Aaron Beard who have all graduated through the Club’s academy system.
After joining the Club, Miller said: “I want to thank Essex Cricket for giving me this opportunity. I have been involved with the County in different roles for several years and it’s an environment I know very well with there being some exciting talents right throughout the pathway.
“The chance to help develop the next generation of bowlers excites me. Furthermore, the County is very flexible regarding the franchise work I have been involved with and continue to encourage me to gain more experience abroad.
“I was in the final interview process for a Head Coach role with another First-Class County however, when this opportunity comes along at a County I call home, I decided to take on the role.”
With the 2023 season fast approaching, several Essex Eagles are out around the world plying their trade in franchise and grade cricket. Whilst Sam Cook is preparing for the upcoming England Lions tour in Sri Lanka in order to remain sharp ahead of the squad’s return to Chelmsford in the near future.
The inaugural South African T20 league has recently got underway, and Essex wicket-keeper Adam Rossington has found great form for his side Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
The 29-year-old produced an impressive innings yesterday afternoon as he smashed his way to 72 off just 30 balls in their victory over the Super Giants.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Eagles T20 captain Simon Harmer is part of the Durban Super Giants squad but has featured just once.
After being signed by the Melbourne Renegades, all-rounder Matt Critchley has appeared four times for his Big Bash side scoring 70 runs at an average of 23.3. Critchley and the Renegades take on the Adelaide Strikers tomorrow knowing a victory will see them qualify for the BBL 12 Finals.
Bowler Sam Cook has touched down in Sri Lanka with the England Lions as they prepare for their red-ball tour which begins on Wednesday against a SLC Board XI before they take on the Sri Lanka A side twice in Galle.
Cook will be joined by fellow Eagle Matt Critchley in February for the three-match white-ball series, once again against Sri Lanka A.
Dan Lawrence and Paul Walter are also taking part in an inaugural tournament, this time in the UAE for the Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriors respectively. Lawrence made his Capitals debut against Walter’s Warriors, where he scored 34, whilst all-rounder Walter has also made just the one appearance against MI Emirates.
Batsmen Robin Das has been gaining valuable experience with Bangladesh Premier League side Dhaka Dominators.
Out in Australia, youngsters Ben Allison, Feroze Khushi and Josh Rymell are all continuing their fine form for their Premier Grade cricket sides. Allison has worked wonders with ball in hand taking 19 wickets at an average of just 23 for his side Dandenong Cricket Club in Sydney.
Feroze Khushi has been in outstanding form for Port Melbourne CC. Scoring two 50’s and two 100’s the 23-year-old now averages 49.99 with the bat and will be aiming to return to Chelmsford with his strong form intact ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Also in Melbourne, Josh Rymell has also topped the run scoring charts for his side Deepdene Bears. With an average of over 50, Rymell will be looking to continue his blistering form as he looks to cement a regular spot in the Essex side this season.
After an incredible 2022, the Club is looking forward to the return of the cricket season for 2023 at The Cloud County Ground.
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Vitality Blast tickets and Blast Passes are on sale to Members from 10am, Thursday 12 January.
If you’re a Member looking to purchase tickets, the best way is online, but you can also buy tickets from our Membership & Ticketing Office over the phone (01245 254010) or in person (Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm).
If you’re not a Member, but want to join the front of the queue for Vitality Blast tickets then it’s not too late to renew your Membership or purchase a new one and if you act fast, you’ll take advtange of our Membership Early Bird window which expires at the end of the month.
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Members are the first to receive a priority window for tickets, with the next date for your diary being 19 January, when Blast Passes go on sale to the general public.
As well as being entered into a priority window for tickets, Members can also buy Vitality Blast tickets at a discounted price.
For more information including a full list of Membership benefits, click here.
Vitality Blast tickets go on sale to Members on Thursday 12 January at 10am. Those who have renewed or purchased a new Membership will be at the front of the queue for tickets to next season’s 20-over competition.
The best way to purchase tickets is online, but you can also buy tickets from our Membership & Ticketing Office over the phone (01245 254010) or in person (Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm).
If you are yet to renew or purchase your 2023 Membership it’s not too late to do so and if you purchase now you will not only be first in line for Vitality Blast tickets, but you will also take advantage of Early Bird rates which expire at the end of the month.
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As well as being entered into a priority window for tickets, Members can also buy Vitality Blast tickets at a discounted price.
For more information including a full list of Membership benefits, click here.
Matt Critchley has been signed as an Overseas player by Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Big Bash League.
The 26-year-old leg-spinning allrounder joins the squad with five group games remaining as Overseas spinners, Akeal Hosein and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, depart.
The call-up caps off an excellent start to 2023 for Critchley who, along with Sam Cook, has been called up to the England Lion’s ODI squad for their tour of Sri Lanka.
The tournament will be Critchley’s first appearance in an overseas league and his second in franchise cricket after representing Welsh Fire in the Hundred.
Aaron Finch’s side are enjoying a change in fortunes and resides in third place in the table after finishing bottom in the two previous seasons.
The signing comes after Critchley’s performances for the Eagles in the Vitality Blast stood out. Before a knee injury interrupted his season, he had scored 248 runs at an average of 31 and a strike-rate of 139.32 and been Essex’s second-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 15 wickets coming from his 10 matches.
The Renegades’ next game comes against Adelaide Strikes at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday 10 January, 8:40am (GMT) and Critchley has made his way straight into the squad.
Melbourne Renegades squad vs Adelaide Strikers: Aaron Finch (c), Matt Critchley, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Martin Guptill, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Ruwantha Kellapotha, David Moody, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells
Melbourne Renegades Remaining Fixtures:
Tues 10 Jan, 8:40am: Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Renegades Sat 14 Jan, 8:30am: Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars Thur 19 Jan, 8:15am: Sydney Thunder vs Melbourne Renegades Sun 22 Jan, 8:15am: Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades Tues 24 Jan, 8:15am: Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers
The Cloud County Ground is hosting a packed summer of cricket, including Essex playing across three formats as well as a Tourist match against Ireland in May.
Women’s cricket returns to Chelmsford bigger and better than ever in 2023 with England taking on Sri Lanka in a Vitality IT20 match and Sunrisers playing five matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (50-over) and Charlotte Edwards Cup (T20).
Allocated Seating: Vitality Blast and Vitality Women’s IT20 matches are allocated seating for all fixtures. This gives supporters the opportunity to book a specific seat at The Cloud County Ground ahead of your visit.
Unallocated Seating: LV= Insurance County Championship, Metro Bank One Day Cup and the Tourist fixture are all unallocated seating matches. The Cloud County Ground is split with available areas exclusively for Members, including the Doug Insole Pavilion and Tom Pearce Stand.
The Doug Insole Pavilion Members’ Benches and Eagles Area are unallocated seating areas for all Vitality Blast matches.
Ticket Type
Member
Adult
Student / Young Adult
Junior
(hover for more info)
(26+)
(18-25)
(Under 18)
LV= Insurance County Championship
Advanced
N/A
£14
£11
£5
Gate
N/A
£17
£11
£5
Post Lunch Gate
N/A
£11
£11
£3
Metro Bank One Day Cup
Advanced
N/A
£16
£11
£5
Gate
N/A
£22
£11
£5
Second Innings
N/A
£12
£5
£1
Essex v Ireland Tourist Match
Advanced
N/A
£14
£11
£5
Gate
N/A
£17
£11
£5
Sunrisers
Advanced
N/A
£10
£10
£5
Gate
N/A
£10
£10
£5
Ticket Type
Member Early Bird
Member
Adult Early Bird
Adult
Student / Young Adult
Junior
(hover for more info)
(26+)
(26+)
(18-25)
(Under 18)
Vitality Blast (Early Bird end date Wednesday 3 May 2023)
Unallocated Seat
£14
£17
£25
£28
£20
£10
Allocated Seat
£20
£23
£30
£33
£25
£10
Allocated Premium
£23
£26
£34
£37
£30
£13
Blast Pass Unallocated
£88
£88
£150
£150
£120
£60
Blast Pass Allocated
£124
£124
£185
£185
£150
£60
Blast Pass Allocated Premium
£144
£144
£208
£208
£180
£80
England Women v Sri Lanka Women (Early Bird end date Thursday 9 March 2023)
Allocated Seat
N/A
£10
£15
£20
£16
£5
Unallocated Seat
N/A
£10
£12
£16
£12
£5
Vitality Blast On Sale Dates
Thursday 12 January Members’ Priority (including Blast Passes) Thursday 19 January Public Blast Passes Thursday 26 January 2022 Ticket Buyers Monday 6 February Over & Out! e-news Subscriber Priority (online only) Tuesday 21 February General Sale
Vitality Women’s IT20 On Sale Dates
Thursday 2 November Members’ Priority Wednesday 9 November General Sale (Ealy Bird Price) Thursday 31 March General Sale (Full Ticket Price)
As Graham Napier celebrates his 43rd birthday, enjoy a look back on his career with an opportunity to watch the highlights from two special performances in particular…
Essex Career Stats (1997-2016)
First-Class Debut: 20 August 1997 v Nottinghamshire
Appearances: 500
Runs: 8,912
First Class Average: 58.88
Highest Score: 196 – 2011 v Surrey
Centuries: 8
Fifties: 38
Wickets: 842
Best Figures: 7-21 – 2014 v Cambridge MCCU
A life-changing innings for a game-changer.
The date was Tuesday 24 June 24, 2008, and Essex Eagles faced Sussex Sharks in the Twenty20 Cup on a balmy evening at Chelmsford. As Graham Napier strode to the crease, he would have no idea that what was about to occur would alter his life.
The all-rounder, batting at number 3, produced an amazing innings of 152 not out from just 58 balls during which he set new world record figures as he blasted 16 sixes peppering the ball into and beyond the Chelmsford crowd with bullets from his bat.
His half-century arrived after 29 balls and 15 balls later, he was celebrating his hundred. The next 50 runs were even more mind-blowing with just 13 more deliveries required to reach his to 150, achieved with the 16th six of his spectacular innings that also included 10 fours.
The media were now on his trail and the attention brought the offer of an IPL contract with Mumbai Indians. It was a commitment that was to change his life.
“It was the launch pad of my career when I didn’t really know where cricket was going. It set me back on track to where I wanted to be,” he acknowledged.”
In 2009 he was named in England’s World Twenty20 squad but didn’t get the opportunity to showcase his talents and he was then dealt a heavy blow when, in June 2010, he suffered a stress fracture to his back, ending his season.
Then 31 years-old, the Colchester-born destroyer still had a point to prove. Returning to the first-class game after an 11-month absence, he struck 196 in the County Championship match with Surrey at Whitgift School on his comeback. He faced 130 deliveries and equalled the world record of 16 sixes in a first-class innings.
However, it was the wicket of Australia Test captain Ricky Ponting that is among his personal highlights. That came in 2013 when he took four wickets in four balls during a Yorkshire Bank 40 match against Surrey, on his way to career-best figures of 7-32.
“To take his wicket was very special and to take his middle stump, that is my little personal highlight,” he admitted.
As a youngster, he might have pursued a career as a goalkeeper with Ipswich Town having been offered a place on their YTS scholarship scheme but cricket was closest to the Napier heart and he opted for the summer game.
But it was not until that memorable T20 innings that his preferred career really took off.
“The 152 opened the door for me,” he admitted. “It got me into world headlines and led to opportunities to play in the IPL and other places. Yet, funnily enough, up until that season I didn’t feel I was making any progress and hadn’t done so for two summers really. I’d been in and out of the first team, without establishing myself soundly as a player. I’d been with Essex since 1996 when I joined as a YTS trainee.
“I’d got my County cap but I wasn’t really achieving what I wanted. In that summer, I had been given application forms for the fire brigade and the police force. “I suppose at that time, I was just looking to plan for the future if cricket was not going to fulfil the ambition I had. I guess that innings helped postpone the future plans for a few more years, 8 years in fact.”
After a lot of hard thinking, he took the decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2016 season. But there was still time for Napes to remind the fans of his all-round talents. Fittingly the stage was at his “home” ground of Castle Park, Colchester where he had played so much cricket in his formative years. “I wanted to go out when I was still turning in acceptable performances,” he insisted.
And he did in spectacular style in the match with Sussex. Having taken his 17th first-class 5-wickets haul for the Club, he followed up with his 7th first-class century for the county when he struck 124 to steer his side to the draw that kept them on top of the table and a step closer to promotion. Napier’s marvellous effort with the bat spanned 155 balls and included 4 sixes and 17 fours, which earned him an emotional standing ovation.
Now his time is spent as a teacher at RHS School in Ipswich but Napier hopes that his master classes for Essex on the cricket field will be fondly appreciated by all who saw him play.
An effective and fine exponent of the game across all three formats, he retired after 172 first-class matches for Essex having accumulated 5,225 runs and taken 468 wickets. His 219 List A appearances for the Eagles brought 251 wickets and almost 2,400 runs whilst 109 T20 matches produced 123 wickets and 995 runs.
“I’d like people to remember me as someone that played with a smile, enjoyed the game and entertained,” he stated. “There have been highs and lows along the way. I’ve had a few injuries in my career that halted my progress.
“As long as you play, make sure you do it with a smile on your face whether you are a 17-year-old and making your debut or you are playing in your last game.”
Truly a wonderful entertainer who gave so much fun to those watching.
The Cult Heroes series is supported by Allen Ford and we thank them for their continued support.
Essex County Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Sam Cook has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Club until the 2025 season.
The 25-year-old bowler excelled in the LV= Insurance County Championship in 2022, taking 51 wickets at an average of just 16.23.
In his seventh season since making his first-class debut, Cook surpassed 200 wickets and became the first player to reach the milestone whilst averaging less than 20 since Derbyshire’s Alan Ward in 1971.
Sam Cook, said: “It’s been an exciting year for me personally and I’m already looking forward to seeing what the next three years have in store for me and my career at the Club I’ve supported all of my life.
“I’m happy with the progress I’ve made this season with the help of Anthony McGrath and Mick Lewis, and I feel my white-ball game in particular is going from strength to strength. I’ve had the opportunity to test my skills in the Vitality Blast and The Hundred this year, which was especially rewarding.
“I am always seeking ways to improve and look forward to heading overseas with England Lions before the season gets underway in April.”
Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, said: “Sam has developed into one of the best bowlers in the county game and his great attitude and willingness to learn means that he will only keep on improving.
“He’s enjoyed another fantastic year and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he will get an opportunity to showcase his skills at international level.”
Watch Sam in action during the 2023 season
Membership packages for the new season are on sale now! Take advantage of an early bird discount by purchasing before January 31 online or in person at The Cloud County Ground.]
Find more information on packages, prices and benefits – view here.
Essex Cricket’s Head of Athlete Development & Lead Physiotherapist, Chris Clarke-Irons has left the Club to take up an exciting position as Sri Lanka Cricket’s National Team Lead Physiotherapist.
In his role as Head of Athlete Development, Chris has grown the Medical Department at Essex into one of the leading counties in the domestic game with fitness, conditioning and rehabilitation playing a pivotal part in the sustained period of success since the team gained promotion to Division One in 2016.
Since joining in 2011 as the Second XI Physiotherapist, he has integrated science and medicine to the forefront of day-to-day training regimes at the Club from the Age Group Player Pathways and Academy through to the First Team squads.
Chris will link up with former Head Coach, Chris Silverwood at Sri Lanka Cricket and everyone at the Club wishes him the very best of luck in his new job in international cricket.
We are pleased to announce that the Club’s Strength & Conditioning Coach, Harry McQueen will lead the Medical Team moving forward in his new role as Head of Sports Science & Medical Services alongside Physiotherapist, Julian Chamberlain-Carter.
Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, said: “Chris will be a big loss to Essex Cricket with his vast experience and dedication to the Club for 12 years. His work within the Medical Department has helped us to develop one of the fittest squads and has helped us generate success on the field season after season.
“Chris has formed a highly skilled team at the Club with Harry McQueen now taking the lead and on behalf of myself, the Coaching team and the players, we wish him well in his new position.”
Chris Clarke-Irons said: “I couldn’t have asked for anything more during my time at the Club and I wish to thank all the coaches, players and staff who I’ve been fortunate enough to work with over the years.
The role has included so many unforgettable memories and has also enabled me to experience other areas of elite sport through opportunities to help with the ECB’s Pace Programme and England’s ODI tour of Australia in 2018.
“I leave the Club in a great place and Harry McQueen will do a fantastic job in leading the Medical Team going forward.”
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