Essex CCC

[EliotNes]

For those that follow the Eagles, an interesting article in the Weekend I Paper about the future intentions re Essex Cricket. As someone brought up on going to 3-day matches at the festival grounds with my dad I lament those (and also the early John Player Sunday League), but understand things have to move forward. But I still cannot get "into" Womens Cricket, Football or Rugby.

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/inews-we ... 0657151119

[cymruO]

Many thanks for the article, very interesting and highlights how far sport in general has moved on since the heady days of watching Essex at Leyton, Romford and Ilford, with an Inde Coope and Allsop beer tent!

This is today's and the future's way of delivering sport, cricket and Essex no exception, and playing at the highest level needs very high levels of finance. We know the challenges LOFC face, not only with having a high class team that's going to win things, but the massive amount of money that has to be spent to provide the punter with an excellent 'experience'. There are eg the demands of health and safety, comfort, crowds, facilities etc etc. Then there's the staff - office, team staff - gone are the days when someone ran on the pitch with a bucket of water and a sponge! It just goes on and I can see the the constant thread of new innovations etc stretching out way into the future.
Good to hear of development of Chelmsford, and it's great to have a women's county side. I did notice that Daniel Sams has signed for Gloucs - thought his return to us was a formality. Also, sadly I've not noticed Khushi finding another county side so far. Really sad about that; regardless of temperament he's a very talented player. Can I assume Dean Elgar will be back, and will Benkenstein be doing any bowling in 2025? He had a back injury in 2023 which meant he couldn't bowl for the rest of the season, and last year he tried a bit in the T20 without much success.

[EliotNes]

Dean Elgar has a 3-year contract 2024, 2025, 2026.

[cymruO]

I wonder if this will be the season for Jamal Richards to have more appearances in the CC? Hard to see Porter, Cook and Snater being dropped except for injury, but a fourth seamer on the kind of pitches being produced might not be a bad thing.

[EliotNes]

Rossington signs - for T20 only.

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2025/03/20/ ... -contract/

Only 13 days to go to the first match at the newly named "Ambassador Cruise Line Ground", Chelmsford. What a mouthful.

Essssex, Essssex. C'mon you Eagles.

[cymruO]

Can't believe how quickly the new season has come round. Will be interested to see who will open with Elgar, if anyone will replace Sam's and an overseas player for the 100.

[Currywurst and Chips]

Another title for Surrey this season I’d imagine

[EliotNes]

This won't help either.
"Essex Cricket can confirm that Shardul Thakur will no longer be joining the Club for the start of the 2025 season following his selection by Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement player in the Indian Premier League."

[cymruO]

The fact we signed him means we are looking for that kind of player. Everybody in Div 1's been busy over the winter signing players - could be a tough division in 2025. Wonder what we're going to do? Find another overseas player / loan or is this Jamal's moment to step up? It's risky but a full season of CC cricket might be just what's needed, or he might go the same way as Allison. Once again the 100 is decimating our 1 day squad, plus Browne and Harmer may not play. Very surprised to to see Sams moving to Notts - more money? Sad though to see Khushi hasn't gone to another county - no county able to control him?
Could be a tough season for us - Cox may well be away in England's squad, as may Pepper, and a rethink by England over fast bowlers may still open the door for Cook - reportedly the best bowler on show for England A this winter.

[EliotNes]

We are underway with a friendly

https://essexcricket.org.uk/2025/03/27/ ... -friendly/

[EliotNes]

Looks like it'll be a big crowd on Friday. I went to book parking in the Meteor Way car park today and all advance parking is sold out. I think I'll try the bus and train instead. I can also drink alcohol doing that.

[cymruO]

I'll get the streaming here in Wales, and have a completely free day. Joy!!!!! The cricket season is back!

[EliotNes]

I'll get the streaming here in Wales, and have a completely free day. Joy!!!!! The cricket season is back!

And it looks like the weather will be dry and with sun. Woo Woo

I'll wave to you from (probably) the lower tier of the Tom Pearce Stand when the ball comes my way.

[cymruO]

Looking forward to that!

[Top of the JES]

Essex look weaker than last season and losing Thakur is a blow, we are lacking in the same areas as last season when lack of depth in our batting hurt us. Going to have to rely on youngsters again and hope our senior players stay fit. Could be a long season. Sams will be a big miss in the white ball stuff.

[cymruO]

Time maybe for Jamal to get a run of games and get used to CC. He didn't bowl well against Kent - line and length, but as I know from my playing days, once you're in the groove you're on the way but, you need a decent run of games.

[Top of the JES]

Time maybe for Jamal to get a run of games and get used to CC. He didn't bowl well against Kent - line and length, but as I know from my playing days, once you're in the groove you're on the way but, you need a decent run of games.

I agree. We have lost Thakur and with the financial losses of the last 12 months I suspect we won't replace him at this stage - Jamal deserves a chance but we will need to persevere with him, he's got loads of potential. I still think we are an experienced batter (or two) short of where we need to be.

[cymruO]

It appears Dean Elgar is not available, following the birth of twins. No date yet for his return. Batters 1 and 2 will be interesting! Silverwood has confirmed that Essex are currently processing visas for an oversees player. Richards not in the squad for tomorrow - maybe we've got a spinners' paradise of a wicket for Harmer, Critchley, Westley and Benkenstein!

[banqo]

It appears Dean Elgar is not available, following the birth of twins. No date yet for his return. Batters 1 and 2 will be interesting! Silverwood has confirmed that Essex are currently processing visas for an oversees player. Richards not in the squad for tomorrow - maybe we've got a spinners' paradise of a wicket for Harmer, Critchley, Westley and Benkenstein!

Don't worry ,I'm sure Brownie is in for a first day century.

[EliotNes]

Not a good start player-wise to the season. But time for the youngsters to take their chances and step up to the plate. I remember neil Foster being called out of school to face Kent at Valentines Park, Ilford. His first ball went for four wides, with Fletch then running from slip to give him a (presumably encouraging) word or two and later he got Tavare and A.N.Other out.

[i8ubutler]

Spent so much of my childhood in Valentines Park.
Regarding the cricket there, as I recall you used to be let in free to the County matches after tea. Mind you, you could get in free at any time if you crawled under the canvas.
Also remember the grey pantechnicon that Essex used as a scoreboard.

[EliotNes]

Spent so much of my childhood in Valentines Park.
Regarding the cricket there, as I recall you used to be let in free to the County matches after tea. Mind you, you could get in free at any time if you crawled under the canvas.
Also remember the grey pantechnicon that Essex used as a scoreboard.

Correct- free after tea interval. Happy days of my childhood and youth

[EliotNes]

Essex to bat and I’m well settled in. Coffee in one hand, Playfair Annual in the other. Sun cream applied

Esssex Esssex

[Proposition Joe]

Fond memories of a few sunny (and sometimes not so sunny) afternoons in Southend, Colchester and Ilford when they went on the festival circuit. Such a shame they don't happen any more.

[cymruO]

Born in Ilford and old enough to see matches at Valentines Park, Romford and Leyton. So many memories eg watching Jim Laker bowling for us, and the fantastic champions Worcs at Romford - Graveney, Kenyon, Gifford, D'Oliveira et al.