Essex CCC

[cymruO]

A season where in all 3 competitions the weather and bad results meant, in the end they never got near to winning anything. Sad for beard - knew he wasn't going to get any further with Essex, no counties have shown any interest so he's jumped. he highlights the way in which talented youngsters are not getting much chance in anything except the 50 and for some the T20.
Rossington appears to be fully fit, but I prefer Pepper - poss not as good a keeper as Rossington but a prolific scorer. Snater has posed a problem - had a tremendous season with ball and bat and has emerged as a 'regular' first team player, keeping the likes of Richards in the seconds. Also Snater so far hasn't been called up for the 100. Harmer hasn't been the force he was. Maybe because batters are no longer scared of him and maybe the wickets are offering him nothing.
All in all, we need to establish an opener with Elgar - Khushi, Browne and Das, Allison and possibly Benkenstein of the home grown. Possibly bring in a fourth seamer or bring Richards on. If Rossington will be keeper, we've got to find a place for Pepper.

[EliotNes]

Well the 12 point "batgate" deduction cost Essex third place or one could say the defeat snatched from the jaws of victory against Worcs did the same. And the combined 28 points "lost" would have had us really pushing Surrey. Oh well; "There by the Grace of God etc".

Let's see who we sign/let go in the winter and be positive about next summers cricket.

Essssex Essssex

[cockhat]

Riveting, keep us posted.

[EliotNes]

Riveting, keep us posted.

If you really want me to. How can I refuse.

[EliotNes]

Porter & Pepper in PCS team of the year. Fully deserved IMO.

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/09/30/ ... -the-year/

[Top of the JES]

So Anthony McGrath leaves his role at Essex to take a similar position with Yorkshire. Been an interesting and successful stay at Chelmsford for McGrath but it begs the question who is next for a role in the hot seat?

[cymruO]

McGrath was Director of cricket. I would imagine the hands on coaches are still in place - and doing a good job imho.
Not sure what McGrath was latterly bringing to the table - we shall see.

[EliotNes]

McGrath was Director of cricket. I would imagine the hands on coaches are still in place - and doing a good job imho.
Not sure what McGrath was latterly bringing to the table - we shall see.

He only got the title "Director of Cricket" when there was a reorganisation with John Stephenson resigning to go to West Australia. Before that his title was First-team Coach and he was still doing that.

I wonder if Andre Nel will be approached. He was No. 3 to Chris Silverwood and then No 2 to McGrath for a couple of years when Silverwood left. There will be a good few around the world who will be after the job.

On the Essex website

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/10/08/ ... e-seasons/

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/10/08/ ... y-mcgrath/

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/10/08/ ... x-moments/

[banqo]

Feroze Khushi leaving Essex at the end of his contract.

[Top of the JES]

Feroze Khushi leaving Essex at the end of his contract.

No surprise there but we do need to recruit another experienced batter (at least).

[cymruO]

Think there might be a story behind his departure. The cricket bat, and there were disciplinary issues that led to a loan spell at Kent. Then, at the time of the 50 he just disappeared. There may have been injury at some point but at 25 he's not really established himself in any form of the game. Great shame, as we have seen glimpses of a great limited over batter. Wonder if he'll get an offer from another county?

[Top of the JES]

Think there might be a story behind his departure. The cricket bat, and there were disciplinary issues that led to a loan spell at Kent. Then, at the time of the 50 he just disappeared. There may have been injury at some point but at 25 he's not really established himself in any form of the game. Great shame, as we have seen glimpses of a great limited over batter. Wonder if he'll get an offer from another county?

On his day he was decent but inconsistent, heard he has a bit of an attitude problem and thought he should be on the team sheet every week. I think he will end up with another county as long as he is realistic about a contract

[cymruO]

Khushi was on my list of possible openers with Elgar in the CC. If we don't bring someone in, it looks like being either, Browne, Das, Allison or Benkenstein. Walter was tried but not sure - he's best coming into bat when we've got a few runs on the board.

[EliotNes]

Feroze Khushi is leaving

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/10/14/ ... ave-essex/

[banqo]

Charlie Allison has signed a new two year contract.

[EliotNes]

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/10/15/ ... year-deal/

I did not realise Jason Gallian was back at Essex as Director of Cricket, last I heard he was teaching at Felsted School. I don't know when that appointment was made.

[cymruO]

Described in your link as being 'Chair of the Cricket Committee'. Would have thought that if he had been appointed Director of Cricket there would have been some headlines etc.
Glad Allison's been given a contract. Be interesting to see how Essex see him fitting in. It's possible we won't be seeing much of Cox next season England squad and 100, and I still think there's the question of who will open with Elgar.

[EliotNes]

My error. He is still Head of Cricket at Felsted School and definitely Chair of the Cricket Committee at Essex, not Director. He's guest speaker at the Essex Cricket Society, November meeting.

[EliotNes]

Latest player news

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/10/21/ ... odi-squad/

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/10/21/ ... sh-league/

However, seeing such news makes me wonder when Pepper will be poached by Surrey's immense wallet.

And a deserved honour for Sir Chef
https://essexcricket.org.uk/2024/10/16/ ... l-of-fame/

[cymruO]

We were told that Lawrence moved on to Surrey, not only for more money but playing for a 'better' club would enhance his England prospects, which it immediately did, only for Lawrence to fail to make any progress.
I remember a very talented young player at the club where I played cricket here in Wales. He was told that he needed to find a 'bigger and better' club if he was to fulfil his dream of playing county cricket. He moved and eventually was signed up for Glamorgan. Played a few seasons but then retired with personal problems.
I'm so glad both Cox and Pepper have broken through to England squads while playing for Essex. It's a reward for how they have played last season - for Essex, who are one of the top 4 teams in Division 1. Essex are a good club to play for and I'm sure that only the prospect of a bigger salary will tempt Pepper away to play 2nd team cricket for Surrey.
Can't see anyone eager to sign up Khushi. It would be so sad to see this talented youngster go the same way as Rymell and Nijar.

[banqo]

Nick Browne signs for another year.

[cymruO]

2025 will be his benefit season. He may not play much, just around for the publicity etc. Reckon the race will be on to see who will become our regular opening batter. Unless someone is brought in, I reckon it will be Das, Benkenstein, Allison, Walter or Critchley.

[Top of the JES]

Nick Browne signs for another year.