TO BE SUPPLIED - MEMBERS' MAGAZINE WINTER 2019 | ISSUE 33 - Essex Cricket
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MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE
WINTER 2019 | ISSUE 33
£4.00 / Free for Members
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WELCOME
FROM YOUR CHAIRMAN | JOHN FARAGHER
Welcome to the Winter Edition of the Essex Cricketer Another departure was Ravi Bopara, an outstanding
Magazine, which marks the end of the 2019 playing season. cricketer with immense talent. We thank him for his service
to Essex Cricket, both as a player and as an ambassador of
I would like to begin by congratulating Chris Silverwood
the Club. He is without doubt a star of his generation and
on his appointment as the England Men’s Head Coach.
someone who represents everything that Essex Cricket is all
Chris played a major role in Essex winning the Division
about - high quality, passionate and a winner. I know he is
Two Championship in 2016 and the Division One title the
particularly keen to explore further opportunities in the world
following year, and he laid the foundations for current Head
of T20 cricket and we wish him well as he takes on this new
Coach Anthony McGrath. Everyone at Essex Cricket wishes
challenge. I am sure cricket has not seen or heard the last of
Chris all the very best in his new role and we look forward
Ravi Bopara.
to welcoming him back to Chelmsford whenever his time
permits. As always during the close season, a number of ground
maintenance programmes will be undertaken. We recognise
Well, 2019 will certainly be remembered for years to come
that we have a duty to ensure improvements continue and
as Essex became the first Club to complete the T20 Blast
want to make certain that coming to The Cloudfm County
and County Championship double in the same season. This
Ground is an exciting and memorable experience. The River
is an outstanding achievement by the whole group of players
Gate entrance will undergo a major transformation, which
and is just reward for the commitment and passion shown
will improve both the entrance and exit from the ground.
throughout the summer. We are indeed fortunate to have an
New toilet facilities will be installed behind the scoreboard at
outstanding team off the field as well, those members of staff
the far end of the Hays Close section. New LED floodlights,
who rarely get a mention but without whom Essex Cricket
meeting the latest ICC requirements, will be installed ready
would not flourish. This is team Essex, one team, one dream.
for the 2020 season and two new hybrid wickets, suitable for
After our success in 2017, we were disappointed in our failure white-ball cricket, will be in place for the new season. All this
to bring further silverware to the Club in 2018. Finishing is on top of the regular maintenance programmes - Stadium
third behind Surrey and Somerset demonstrated that we Operations Director Graham Childs and Head Groundsman
deserved our place in Division One, but looking at our squad Stuart Kerrison will certainly be kept very busy!
we knew that we were capable of so much more. At the
As we look ahead to next season, plans are being put in place
start of this year’s campaign, I said we were focused on
for the pre-season training camp in Abu Dhabi. From there
winning all three trophies, but we will settle for two this year!
the squad will travel to Sri Lanka for the traditional Champion
However, in 2020, we will look to dream, dare and deliver
County Match against a select MCC side, a game that is
all three. Why not? We have the talent and the belief to
always seen as the curtain-raiser for the new season.
make further history. Peter Siddle will again be back for the
Championship campaign as our Overseas player and hard- I will again be holding several forums during selected County
hitting Cameron Delport has committed for a further season Championship matches in 2020. I am keen for the positive
in the Vitality Blast. We won’t stop here though, and we’ll look and constructive interaction between the Members and the
to strengthen even further. Committee to flourish. To me, communication is an essential
ingredient in every successful business.
During the winter, a number of the players will be abroad.
This provides the ideal opportunity for them to continue I would like to thank all Members for their continued support
along the path of continuous improvement and is excellent this year. I know how important a successful Essex is to you
preparation for the new English season. We wish all those and all our supporters. This has been a very special season
players travelling this winter the very best and look forward and we aim to bring further success to the Club in 2020.
to seeing them back at Chelmsford ready for the 2020
I look forward to seeing and talking to you all next year and
season.
wish you all well through the winter period.
At the end of the season, Matt Coles left the Club, and it’s
always a difficult time when a player leaves us. It is a great
shame that the move to Essex did not work for Matt, and we
wish him well for the future.
The Cloudfm County Ground, Allen Ford Group Graham Gooch Cricket Centre: Editor:
New Writtle Street, 01245 254028 George Haberman
Chelmsford, Commercial: 01245 254120
Essex, CM2 0PG. Contributors:
Cricket Operations: 01245 254004 John Faragher, Derek Bowden, Paul Hiscock,
Email: administration@essexcricket.org.uk Essex Cricket in the Community: 01245 254027 Ashley Neave, Dan Porter, Paul Parkinson, Kelly Castle
Website: www.essexcricket.org.uk Essex Boundary Club: 01245 284929 Designed by:
Main Switchboard: 01245 252420 Prospects of Play: 01245 254049 Oyster House · Severalls Lane
Membership & Ticketing: 01245 254010 Hospitality: 01245 254120 Colchester · Essex CO4 9PD
The Cricket Store at Essex Cricket: Conferencing & Events: 01245 254036 Photography:
01245 254020 Essex Cricket Foundation: 01245 254004 Nick Wood - Unshaken Photography, Getty Images
YOUR CLUB. YOUR COUNTY. YOUR PASSION. 3
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THANK YOU RAVI
After 18 years, 499 games, 19,620 runs, 503 wickets, 37 centuries and 7
trophies, Ravi Bopara is no longer an Essex player.
The 34-year-old has been widely acclaimed as one of the most reliable and
consistent batsmen to play county cricket, having burst on the scene as a fresh-
faced teenager in 2002.
When reflecting on his debut season as a youthful 17-year-old, Bopara recalls a
conversation with his then captain, Ronnie Irani, and said: “I was on the balcony
and I was probably very insignificant to him.
“I asked him over for a chat and gave him an ultimatum, “if you don’t play me
regularly from now on, I’m going to leave,” I remember telling him.
“He must have thought “who does this guy think he is? Go on then, crack on,” but
after a moment, he said “I’ll give you eight games. The first eight games of next
season are yours. How’s that for a deal?”
“It was the quickest “yep done” of my life, I didn’t really know what I was saying,
it was complete rubbish, but I’ve never been out of the side since then. It was
probably a good move in the end.”
Bopara leaves having won the Pro40 League in 2005 and 2006, NatWest Trophy
in 2008, Specsavers County Championship Division Two in 2016, Specsavers
County Championship in 2017 and 2019, and the Vitality T20 Blast in 2019.
On his achievements, Bopara joked: “I’m not really the type to be really proud of
myself. If I’ve done something good, I’m normally the type to put it to bed straight
away. Well done, you’ve done it, enjoy it, have a sausage roll to celebrate.
“It’s always the next step. But after I announced I was leaving, I saw some of my
records and I surprised myself.”
Ravi’s performances in the latter stages of the Vitality Blast campaign will live long
in the memory of the fans at Chelmsford, and his reaction to Simon Harmer hitting
the winning runs at Edgbaston indicated the raw emotion he was feeling. Whilst
Harmer sprinted off with his bat above his head, Bopara slowly walked alone,
taking everything in.
“It was a mixture of relief and joy. It was the one trophy we didn’t have in our
cabinet, we had won everything else. This was always the one, the holy grail.
“It wasn’t one of those things where I planned to go crazy. I wasn’t in that mindset,
it was more about taking it in. It was what dreams are made of, so take it in, soak it
up and lose yourself in it.
“I had been thinking about that moment for so long. I’d been thinking to myself:
‘When I win the T20, I want to be chasing, I want to be there at the end.’ That’s
what dreams are made of, so to be there at the end, it was what I’d always wanted.
When discussing how the decision to leave Chelmsford came about, Bopara said:
“It’s been incredibly emotional. It was a very tough decision. Initially, it wasn’t what
I wanted. I loved playing at Essex, I loved playing with the lads, I loved playing for
the supporters and I loved playing for the badge.
“My love for Essex will never die. They will always have a special place in my heart.
18 years is no joke. You’re part of the furniture, you’re sort of embedded into the
walls a little bit. It’s a great place, a special place.”
“Letting go was really tough and it plagued my mind for weeks, but Sussex is a
brilliant Club and it’s an exciting time for me.”
Lastly, when referred to as an Essex legend, Bopara’s face lit up and he
grinned showing his immense pride, and said: “I have heard a lot of people
say that I’m an Essex legend, but that’s obviously for the fans to decide. With all
of my performances and my records, I’d like to look back at it that way. That would
be nice.”
Ravi Bopara. Essex legend.
5
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FROM THE TOP
DEREK BOWDEN | CEO
The 2019 season was certainly one that will live long in The target is now to continue to improve and build on the
the memory for everyone involved with the Club and we 2019 season. Rest assured, discussions have already been
certainly exceeded our expectations. held about where and how we can strengthen our squad for
the upcoming campaign.
Clinching a second County Championship title in three
seasons is an incredible achievement, but to add a maiden Work is also being done to secure our Overseas
T20 title to that in the same campaign is unparalleled and signings for the 2020 season and following the successes
something that everyone at the Club should be proud of Peter Siddle, Mohammad Amir and Adam Zampa,
of. The team was led superbly by Head Coach Anthony as well as Cameron Delport, we will make sure we
McGrath and Club Captain Ryan ten Doeschate, as well as bring in the right calibre of player and personality to
Simon Harmer, who took on the role of T20 captain this Chelmsford. We have built a terrific team spirit here at
year. What they have achieved this season is extraordinary the Club and anyone coming into the dressing room
and they all deserve a huge amount of praise. must help build that.
Seeing the team celebrate on the pitch in front of the Alongside adding to the Club, we don’t want to lose any
packed-out crowd at Edgbaston, and then again a week of our existing playing talent. The likes of Jamie Porter,
later at Taunton is something that will live long in the Dan Lawrence, Nick Browne and Aaron Beard all
memory, as the smiles on the faces of everyone present committed their futures to the Club whilst we are still
were there for everyone to see. It was a special week and working to finalise a number of further contract
it epitomised exactly what we are trying to achieve at extensions. It is an exciting time for the Club and I
the Club. We dreamed, we dared, and we delivered, think we are now in a golden era which will be
all working together to achieve the same goal, and remembered for years to come.
it has certainly worked over the last four years.
Finally, I would like to thank you, our Members,
It’s very hard to pick a flaw in this season, but if you’re for your continued support over the past year.
being picky you could say that our Royal London Membership numbers continue to grow and go
One-Day Cup campaign was slightly disappointing. I have from strength-to-strength, your backing doesn’t
no doubt that after winning the other two competitions go unnoticed. It’s been a memorable year for the
this year, Anthony McGrath will be hungry to complete Club, but let’s keep getting better together
the set and add the 50-over trophy to his cabinet and continue making memories that will last
next time around. a lifetime!
7
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COACH’S CORNER ANTHONY McGRATH
Well, what a season that was!
After being made Head Coach two years ago, I wanted to follow in Chris
Silverwood’s footsteps and deliver more success to the Club whilst
writing new history, and we certainly achieved that this year. Being the
first side ever to complete a T20 and County Championship double in
the same season is some accomplishment, and something that everyone
at Essex should be proud of.
That first game of the season against Hampshire in early April seems
like a lifetime ago now. We lost, by an innings and 87 runs. Although it
was a defeat, and it hurt, it was probably a good thing. It set the bar for
us, we knew what we were up against and what we’d have to do for the
remainder of the season if we wanted to be successful.
After that game, we got our heads down and got on a roll, and once the
momentum was with us, we felt unstoppable. To go undefeated in the
13 games that followed, winning 9 of them, is a serious triumph and the
boys should take great pride in their red-ball achievements this season.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that every player in that dressing
room pulled their weight and stepped up at one point or another. As
a Head Coach, knowing you have a squad full of players willing to give
their all is all you can ask for, and I’m lucky enough to have that in
abundance with this group of players.
Not many people gave us a chance when it came to the Vitality Blast, so
it’s really satisfying to silence all of those doubters who wrote us off
before a ball was bowled. We had a new T20 Captain this year in
Simon Harmer, and I don’t think we could have asked for much
more from him. He had a lot of important decisions to make
and he wanted to do things his way, but once his methods were
implemented in the team we saw immediate success.
The campaign was a bit stop-start due to the weather and we had
four washed out games, but once we put a string of results together,
we played some amazing cricket. Again, like in the Championship,
every player played their part. All the batsmen scored runs during
the competition whilst it felt like every one of our bowlers was doing
damage with the ball.
Finals Day itself is something that will always live with me and the players
and the staff at the Club. We knew going into the day at Edgbaston that
Essex had never won it before, and we all really wanted to make that
happen. The scenes in the ground when Harmy hit those winning runs on
the final ball were unbelievable and to have a huge following supporting
us meant an awful lot. More than anything, I’m so pleased that we were
able to deliver the title for the fans.
I’ve always said that Essex has a uniqueness to it, the players, the staff
and the fans have a togetherness which you can feel the moment you
step into the ground. During the season that relationship was as clear
as ever, with fans travelling all over the country to support the side.
For the players out there competing, that support is what makes the
difference and helps get them over the line and ultimately,
win trophies.
I hope you can continue to support the team and myself in the
same way when the season restarts in April. Everyone in the
dressing room wants to win more silverware and create more
memories for themselves and the fans that will last a lifetime.
I look forward to seeing you around The Cloudfm
County Ground in 2020 and once again, thank you for
your loyal support.
9
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10TENDO TALKS
RYAN TEN DOESCHATE
Wow, what a season! I think it’s fair to say that the 2019
campaign is one that none of us will forget in a hurry! We
achieved something unprecedented and something that so
many people thought we weren’t capable of, a T20 and County
Championship double, and to be honest, it’s only just started
to sink in.
One thing I love about this side is that we all believe in each
other. At no point during the season did we ever doubt the
characters or ability we had in the dressing room. Of course,
we were Champions just two years ago, so we knew we could
do it again, but to chase Somerset down from overs 50 points
behind and to win every home Championship match for the
first time in the Club’s history, that was special, and it was
achieved because we always believed.
The dressing room has the perfect blend of experience mixed
with youthful homegrown talent that will be the future of Essex.
We feel that we are giving players the perfect platform to reach
their potential and achieve their dreams whilst bringing success
to the Club. Jamie Porter, Dan Lawrence, Sam Cook and Aaron
Beard are just a few names that should all be pushing for
international recognition, and there is no doubt in my mind that
they will accomplish that sooner rather than later.
I am proud of the way everyone at the Club, from the players
on the pitch, to the coaching staff, to the ground staff and
the commercial staff have all come together and achieved
this as one. Make no mistake, this has been a joint effort from
everyone across the Club and Essex really is a special place
to come into work every day. I feel privileged to lead this
great County, a County which has given so much to me over
my time here.
A special mention must go to our Head Coach Anthony
McGrath, as well as his team, Andre Nel, Tom Huggins, Chris
Clarke-Irons, Harry McQueen, Billy Fordham, Barry Hyam,
Donovan Miller and William Winstone. They made sure we
never lost our lose focus and pushed us right up until the very
end. Without them, the success we experienced this year
wouldn’t have been possible.
Our attention has already turned to the 2020 season. We’re
continually striving to improve, and we want to replicate the
achievements of last year. As a team, we’ve had success, but we
want more than that. We’re on the cusp of a golden era and we
want to build a dynasty here at Chelmsford that will be spoken
about for years to come.
I hope you all enjoyed an incredible 2019 and from the bottom
of my heart, I thank you for all the support you have given me
and the team this year. Sharing the trophy celebrations with
you at Edgbaston and then again at Taunton just a week later
are moments I will never forget and will stay with me and the
boys forever.
When I was writing this exact piece last year, I said that
we wanted to bring silverware back to Essex, and I’m so
proud that we achieved that. We dreamed, we dared, and
we delivered! See you in 2020 for what is hopefully another
memorable season!
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12SIMON HARMER
What a season for Essex Cricket, I don’t think you could Everyone in that side rose to the pressure, our batsmen
have scripted that much better… scored the runs they were capable of whilst our bowlers
did the business with the ball, and we all knew once that
I want to start by congratulating and thanking everyone at happened we had a chance of going all the way.
the Club. The players, the coaching staff, the ground staff,
the commercial staff, the Members and the fans. Without Finals Day is something I will never ever forget. I said
everybody’s efforts, hard work and support, we wouldn’t when I was asked at the start of the season what my aim
have been able to achieve what we did this season. These as captain was, and I said it was to reach a Finals Day. The
two trophies are a representation of the success we are fact we got there at the first time of asking was incredible,
enjoying both on and off the field and this was a collective but we weren’t there to make up the numbers, we were
effort by everyone at the Club. there to win it.
To win a second County Championship title in three We had one of those days. You know the type where
years is some accomplishment and our red-ball cricket everything goes your way… we felt invincible. Even going
was outstanding this year. Somerset pushed us right out to bat needing 17 runs from the final 8 balls, we still
until the very end and I think this campaign was a great knew we were going to do it. The celebrations on the pitch
advert for red-ball cricket as a whole. There were so many were so special too, I’m so glad we got to share that with
exceptional individual performances this year, too many to the fans who travel up and down the country supporting
laud, but a word must be said about Anthony McGrath and us so vastly. As a team, we knew how desperate the
Ryan ten Doeschate. Their leadership and management supporters were for some success in T20 cricket, so we
was duly rewarded, and they deserve every piece of praise couldn’t be happier that we managed to deliver that
they get for the amazing work they have done this year. sought after maiden T20 title… that one was for you
Eagles fans!
It was an honour to be named the T20 Captain at the start
of the season and it was a challenge I really wanted. It was Our focus has already turned to the 2020 season. We
a bit daunting taking over from Tendo, who has done an have a dressing room that is full of players that just want
unbelieve job. If you look at the position Essex were in five to improve and be the best they can be, and we want
years ago and compare it to now, a lot of that rise is down to continue to win trophies like over the last few years.
to him and the decisions he has made. We’ve tasted success and we want more of it. I always
hear people talk about the golden era of Gooch, Fletcher,
The campaign got off to a tricky start. We had quite a Acfield, Lever and East, and hopefully, 25 years from now,
few washed out games which made it hard to put in they’ll be talking about the golden era of ten Doeschate,
consistent performances, but towards the end of the Cook, Porter, Westley and Harmer.
group stages, everything just clicked. With the way the
I hope you all enjoyed the
standings were, it effectively became knockout cricket for
2019 campaign and once
us, win or go home!
again, I want to thank you
for the fiercely loyal support
that you have given me
and the Club this year.
I’ve had three special seasons
here at Essex and hopefully
the future is bright, and we
can go on to create
many more happy
memories together.
13END OF SEASON GALA DINNER AWARDS WINNERS
After an unprecedented T20 and County Championship double, there was plenty to celebrate at the Club’s End of Season Gala
Dinner. Essex bowler Simon Harmer picked up several of the major honours, whilst Dan Lawrence, Ravi Bopara and Sam Cook were
also recognised for their efforts this season.
Simon Harme r Simon H e
arme r Dan L awre nc Simon H
arme r
WINNERS
Player of the Year: Simon Harmer
Players’ Player of the Year: Simon Harmer
Batsman of the Year: Dan Lawrence
R avi Bopara
Bowler of the Year: Simon Harmer
Sam C
oo k
Eagles Player of the Year: Ravi Bopara
First XI Young Player of the Year: Sam Cook
Performance of the Year: Sam Cook vs Kent
Second XI Player of the Year: Aron Nijjar
Academy Player of the Year: Robin Das
Club Person of the Year: Derek Harding
Women’s Player of the Year: Kelly Castle
Ability Player of the Year: Liam McFall
Sam C
oo k
Club to County Award: Haydn Davies 15
Aron Nijjar
R obin Das L iam M
cFall
D e re k Kelly Castle
Harding
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16PLAYER OF THE YEAR
TO BE SUPPLIED
17PLAYER OF THE YEAR
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18 18CONTRACT NEWS
WHO’S STAYING & WHO’S GOING
STAYING: MATT QUINN The New Zealander penned a two-year
contract extension back in June and will remain in
BEN ALLISON The 19-year-old bowler signed his Chelmsford until at least the conclusion of the 2021 season.
professional contract back in August which runs until the
SHANE SNATER The Dutch international featured
end of the 2020 season.
prominently in the successful Vitality Blast campaign and
AARON BEARD Beard took a career-best 4 wickets for at the end of the 2019 campaign, he signed a one-year
23 runs against Somerset back in June and celebrated by contract extension.
signing a two-year contract extension with the Club. The
RYAN TEN DOESCHATE The Club captain joined Essex in
bowlers new deal will see him stay in Chelmsford until the
2003 and will begin his 18th season in Chelmsford when
end of the 2021 season.
March 2020 rolls around. After captaining Essex to the
NICK BROWNE After another successful year opening second County Championship title in three years, the
the batting, the 28-year-old penned a two-year extension 39-year-old signed a one-year extension that runs until the
running until the summer of 2021 and said: “Essex is my summer of 2020.
boyhood Club and very close to my heart, this is golden era
PAUL WALTER After another good year, the all-rounder
for the Club and I feel this squad of players can win a lot
signed a two-year contract extension and will remain in
more trophies over the next few years.”
Chelmsford until the end of the 2021 season.
WILL BUTTLEMAN After making several First Team
TOM WESTLEY Academy graduate Westley played a big
appearances this season, the 19-year-old wicket-keeper
role in both the Vitality Blast and County Championship
signed his professional contract and will stay with the side
triumphs and penned a three-year contract extension
until the conclusion of the 2020 season.
back in July. The top-order batsman said: “I’m delighted to
VARUN CHOPRA Following a loan spell at Sussex, Essex extend my contract at Essex County Cricket Club. I have
Academy graduate Varun Chopra penned a one-year been here since I was 13 in the Academy, and have only ever
contract extension and said: “I’m excited to extend my seen my career and future at Essex.”
contract and I love playing for the Club.”
FEROZE KHUSHI Khushi had a great year with the bat for
the Second XI and the 20-year-old has signed a one-year
contract extension with the Club. He’s one to watch and he
GOING:
will be looking to force his way into the First Team in 2020. RAVI BOPARA After 18 successful years with the Club,
Bopara decided to pursue a new challenge after failing
DAN LAWRENCE After one of his best campaigns to date
to agree terms on a contract. The 34-year-old played
in which he claimed the Batsman of the Year Award at the
499 games across all formats for Essex and scored over
End of Season Gala Dinner, Lawrence committed his future
19,000 whilst taking more than 500 wickets. Bopara was a
to the Club by signing a contract extension running until the
fundamental part of the Club’s recent triumphs, including
end of the 2021 season.
the Pro40 League in 2005 and 2006, NatWest Trophy in
ARON NIJJAR The Second XI captain penned a one-year 2008, Specsavers County Championship Division Two in
contract extension following a manic end to the season, in 2016, Specsavers County Championship Division One in
which he played a big part as the Eagles claimed a maiden 2017 and 2019, and most notably the Vitality T20 Blast in
T20 title at Edgbaston and a second County Championship 2019. The Club would like to thank Ravi for his fantastic
title in three years. contribution during his time at the Club and wish him the
JAMIE PORTER A fan favourite at Chelmsford, 25-year- best of luck in his future endeavours.
old Porter extended his contract until the end of the 2021 MATT COLES Coles joined Essex from Kent in 2017 and
season, and said: “I’m really excited to commit my future played 22 matches across all formats for the Club, taking 38
to this great Club. As a player, all you want to do is win, wickets whilst scoring 187 runs. The Club would like to thank
and the fact I believe this team will be consistently winning Matt for his efforts on the field and wish him the best of luck
and competing for trophies made the decision to sign an for the future.
extension so much easier.”
19R&D ADVERT 20
OVERSEAS HEROS
Overseas players often play a huge part in any Club’s success. Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa and
Mohammad Amir all played vital roles in our County Championship and Vitality Blast triumphs this
year, so we thought we’d take a look back at the careers of some our very best Overseas signings.
MARK WAUGH Although he was unable to play county cricket in 1991
due to commitments for Australia, he returned to
Essex for four months the following season. Playing
When Allan Border had to return to Australia in
with trademark pomp and authority, he scored 1,253
August 1988 to prepare for his country’s forthcoming
Championship runs at an average of 78.31 before
international series in Pakistan, he recommended
leaving at the end of July to link up with Australia for
Mark Waugh as his Overseas replacement. Waugh was
their Test series in Sri Lanka.
virtually unknown but following his first appearance for
the county, he became an overnight sensation with the To the delight of every Essex cricket fan, he returned
Essex faithful. in 1995 to resume his county career under new captain
Paul Prichard, and he thrilled the crowds once again
He produced a stunning performance on debut when
amassing a combined 2,000 runs in the Championship
he scored 103 in the Sunday League match against
and One-Day League matches.
Nottinghamshire at Colchester before claiming the
wickets of international batsmen Tim Robinson and Increasing Test match calls deemed that he would be
Derek Randall. unavailable for future county stints although there
was to be a surprise a final swansong at the end of
The county wasted no time in recruiting him as their
the 2002 season. With Andy Flower on duty with
overseas player for the next three years and he proved
Zimbabwe in the ICC World Cup and Essex on the
a wonderful signing.
threshold of promotion back to Division One, Waugh
A quite brilliant batsman, as his record shows, he agreed to play the final two Championship matches
was a more than useful medium-pace bowler and and two One-Day fixtures.
wonderfully athletic fielder who also took some He scored 117 against Durham in the first of those
brilliant catches in the gully or at slip. Championship matches then revealed immediately
He was a superior force at the crease where his afterwards that it was the first time he had played a
extrovert batting, that boasted clean hitting and competitive innings since April. He then followed up
superbly timed strokes, contrasted with his somewhat with 49 and a defining 76 against Nottinghamshire at
quiet and retiring public persona off the field. Chelmsford helping his adopted county to clinch the
Division Two title and return to the top-flight.
The younger twin of Steve, who went onto skipper
Australia with great success, Mark ended his first full In his 82 first-class matches for Essex during which
season with Essex as the county’s leading run-scorer he scored 22 centuries, Mark totalled 6,690 runs at an
and then in 1990, aggregated more than 2000 average of 69.73, whilst he also recorded five hundreds
amongst his 2,292 runs from 93 List A outings.
Championship runs that included eight centuries, two
of them double hundreds. It was little surprise that Named as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the
he won the first of his 128 Baggy Green caps for his Year in 1991, upon retirement, Waugh became a Test
country that year. selector and is now a cricket commentator.
21GREENE KING ADVERT
222019 SECOND XI
SEASON REVIEW
The two finals of 2018 meant that it was always going to runs against Hampshire saw our opponents go to
be a difficult year to follow, but the Second XI continued Arundel instead, where they were beaten by Glamorgan
to produce highlights, alongside player progression for in the Final. The team hit three scores of over 200, which
the First XI. means Essex now holds the three highest innings scores in
The Championship campaign saw a third-place finish the competition.
in the South Group, but four of games were severely Michael Pepper was the second-highest run-scorer
affected by the weather. Victories were achieved over overall with 445, a total boosted by two centuries,
Gloucestershire and Surrey, with the latter coming inside including a new competition record 132 not out.
two days. Ravi Bopara hit 122 not out at Taunton Vale against
Feroze Khushi (567) was the sixth-highest run-scorer Somerset to end with the fourth-highest aggregate to
in the Championship, but one of only three batsmen add to his 11 wickets.
to exceed 300 runs this season. Six batsmen scored Mention should also go to Shenfield’s Jack Potticary, who
centuries, with Khushi (156) and Shane Snater (149) ended as the leading wicketkeeper, with Essex one of four
recording their personal Championship bests, with teams he played for in the competition.
Snater’s coming in an Essex Championship record 8th
wicket partnership of 233 with Will Buttleman (80*) The main highlight though was the progression of the
against Kent at Tunbridge Wells. young players into senior cricket with Ben Allison (on loan
at Gloucestershire), Aaron Beard, Will Buttleman, Aron
Aron Nijjar again topped the competition wicket-takers Nijjar, Rishi Patel, Michael Pepper, Shane Snater and Paul
table with 32, repeating his success of 2018, and Ben Walter all making contributions at First XI level.
Allison made an instant impression with 29 wickets at
15.34 apiece to end up third overall. The friendly games saw some remarkable results and
performances, not least a 575-run victory over Kent, in
The Trophy saw two wins and three defeats alongside which Varun Chopra (267) and Feroze Khushi (201) hit
one no result. Wins over Kent and Gloucestershire were career-best scores in a 3rd wicket partnership of 347
the highlights. Ben Allison led the way with 9 wickets, but out of a team score of 608-6 declared. The team
mention must be made of Aron Nijjar’s 8 wickets which
also recorded a T20 victory at Garon Park over a
came at less than 12 apiece.
Netherlands XI who went on to win T20 games against
The Second XI came within 1 point of a return to T20 Finals both Gloucestershire and Glamorgan First XI’s in a short
Day, and the final match of the season, a defeat by just 3 UK tour.
23EASST ADVERT
THE ROAD TO EDGBASTON
SATURDAY 21ST SEP
TEMBER
FRIDAY 19TH JULY
y WORCESTERSHIRE RAP
Essex Eagles v Surre IDS V
EAGLES WIN BY EAGLES WIN BY ESSEX EAGLES
52 RUNS 4 wickets
TEMBER
FRIDAY 2ND AUGUST SATURDAY 21ST SEP
GLOUCESTERSHIRE V DERBYSHIRE FALCONS V
ESSEX EAGLES ESSEX EAGLES
EAGLES WIN BY EAGLES WIN BY
25 RUNS 34 RUNS
WEDNESDAY 4TH SE
PTEMBER
THURSDAY 22ND AU
GUST L ANCASHIRE LIGHTNING
V
Sussex Sharks v EAGLES WIN BY E S SEX EAGLES
Essex Eagles 6 wickets
EAGLES WIN BY
9 RUNS
ST
FRIDAY 30TH AUGU
THURSDAY 29TH AU
GUST KENT SPITFIRES V
SURREY V ESSEX EAGLES ESSEX EAGLES
EAGLES WIN BY EAGLES WIN BY
19 RUNS 10 RUNS
25 25SAM COOK THE 2019 CAMPAIGN,
ENGLAND LIONS
AND THE FUTURE
It’s been quite the year for Sam Cook. The 22-year-old semi-final but Harmy mentioned to me briefly after to be
recorded 38 wickets across all formats, his highest tally in ready for the Final, but I didn’t really expect to be playing.
a season, with Essex becoming the first side in history to
“It wasn’t until about a minute before we went out for the
win the T20 and County Championship double in the same
warmup that Mags grabbed me and said you’re in. I didn’t
season, and the Chelmsford-born bowler admits everything
really have time to process it as we were straight out
still sinking in.
getting ready to the tune of Mr Motivator!”
“It’s still taking a bit of time to get my head around what we
It was a tense Final and there were wild celebrations as
have achieved this season,” Cook said, “to back up the first
Simon Harmer scored the winning runs on the last ball, with
title in 2017 with this one is an incredible effort from this
Cook saying: “I think that the few minutes of footage and in
group of players and I think it signifies that we are the top
the hours afterwards show just what this Club is all about.
red-ball county in the game right now.
Not just celebrating as a team but the whole squad, support
“To win the T20 is also a real bonus too. It’s something that staff, families and all the fans that made the trip.
you dream of growing up after watching in on television. It
“This is a huge family Club and it’s a complete team effort,
was an amazing day and one I will never forget.
and by team, that’s not just the eleven on the pitch playing.”
“At the start of the season we set out to try and win all
The T20 side were led by Simon Harmer this year, and Cook
three trophies with a genuine belief we could. But still,
was full of praise for his teammate, saying: “I think his stats
you need a lot of things to go your way and a lot of big
speak for themselves, he really is a world-class performer
performances to achieve that.
and arguably the best off-spinner in the world right now.
“If someone had said to me three years ago you’d have won
“As a person, he’s equally great too and he always keeps
two County Championships and a T20 Blast, two being part
the boys going both on and off the field.”
of a double, I’d have laughed in their face. But saying that,
at the start of this year I probably wouldn’t have been that Harmer picked up several awards at the Club’s End of
surprised simply because of the faith I and the whole team Season Gala Dinner in September, where Little Chef also
have in our dressing room.” claimed the First XI Young Player of the Year for the second
successive year.
The heroics at Edgbaston which saw the Eagles claim a
maiden T20 title will live long in the memory, but Cook Cook was naturally pleased and said: “That was also a real
didn’t actually think he would be playing on the day. highlight for me, to be recognised by the Club for your
achievements on the field is always a great boost so I was
He said: “Well where do I start about Finals Day? It was a
really delighted.”
completely crazy time to be honest. I hadn’t played in theThere we so many standout moments this season for
the Club, and Cook found it impossible to pinpoint
just one highpoint, saying: “There were obviously
so many, but if I had to pick a few it would be the
quarter-final win against Lancashire Lightning at
Durham, obviously Finals Day, and then the bus
journey back from Taunton…”
The 22-year-old modestly left out his performance
against Kent at Canterbury, in which he took an
outstanding 12 wickets for just 65 runs with Kent
being bowled out for 40 in their second innings.
Cook’s performance helped Essex secure a vital
victory towards the end of the season, and he
said: “To pick up 5 wickets in the first innings was
a massive relief for me after being out injured for a
while before that.
“Come the second innings though, I knew with
the state of the game we simply had to bowl them
out for next to nothing, so it was a case of bowling
some really attacking areas with aggressive field
settings too.
“It all happened pretty quickly, but in the context of
the season I think it was a key point in keeping up on
Somerset’s heels.”
Following on from another successful campaign,
there have been murmurings of an England Lions
call-up for Cook, on which he commented: “I mean,
that’s something you’re always striving for as a young
player, so to receive a call-up would be nice.
“At the minute though I’m just concentrating on
taking wickets for Essex and hopefully with that
comes higher honours at some stage.”
The triumphs Essex achieved this year were
unprecedented, and Cook is confident that the side
can reclaim the trophies in 2020, commenting:
“We want to defend our titles and continue with the
mindset of trying to win all three.
“As a group, we have said that we really want
to dominate the County Championship for the
foreseeable future, and I think we’re moving on the
right track. I think now we want to try and transfer
that into our white-ball cricket and aim for a similar
degree of consistency throughout those campaigns.”
On his own goals for next season, Cook keeps it nice
and straightforward, saying: “I try to keep it really
simple, and just set out to play as many games as I
possibly can and in doing that, the wickets should be
taking care of themselves.”
After coming through the Essex Academy himself, the
seamer is tipping a few more homegrown players to
have successful campaigns in 2020.
“We’ve got some really exciting young talent,” he
said, “for the young lads coming through, I think Ben
Allison has a big future ahead of him and I don’t think
it’ll be too long until we see him in the First Team.
“I think Michael Pepper isn’t too far away either, he’s
put in some outstanding performances in the Second
XI and we’ve seen glimpses of that in the First Team.
But on a whole, we’ve got a squad with youth and
depth, so the future is certainly looking bright.”
27FELSTED ADVERT
ESSEX BOUNDARY CLUB NEWS
WHAT A YEAR! GRASSROOTS
Part of the Boundary Club mission is to help develop young
A most unusual sight at Taunton in late September: Essex players and support the game at grass roots level. We
Boundary Club members on an away trip sheltering from support our President, Graham Gooch and his academy,
the rain and for the first time ever, happy not to be seeing which does so much to help young players develop
any play! They knew that with every drop of rain that their game. We are also delighted to sponsor the Essex
fell, the chances of Essex regaining the Championship Under-19 T20 tournament which now has the final played at
pennant were increasing by the minute. And so it came to Chelmsford. This year, after several appearances at Finals
pass, just five days after the Eagles won the Vitality Blast Day (sound familiar?) Colchester and East Essex won the
T20 competition for the first time in a thrilling final at trophy for the first time in a tight game which went to the
Edgbaston. last over by beating Saffron Walden. Vice Chairman, Annie
Northfield was on hand to present the handsome trophy.
To mark the fantastic 2019 double, the Boundary Club will
be having a celebration dinner at The Cloudfm County
Ground before the start of the 2020 season - details to
THANKS TO THE SPONSORS
be advised as soon as we can with EBC Members having As always, we must thank our sponsors, Len Collins of
priority. Watch this space. Purified Air and Anne’s Pantry, purveyors of some of the
best street food on the county circuit. We would also like to
In our Bonanza raffle, Ken Brazier was paired with Simon
mention the keen fans who have the Orange Tree as their
Harmer winning £250 plus a further £100 for the best base, they have been incredibly helpful and generous in their
bowling analysis as Simon’s 8 for 98 were the best figures fund raising on behalf of the Boundary Club.
of the season. We also felt that Sam Cook’s 7 for 23 in that
memorable game at Kent was also a worthy winner and so
made a special £50 prize payment to Mr T Sargent who had INTO THE 2020 SEASON
drawn Little Chef in the raffle. In the batting department, With just one more big event remaining, our annual City
Tom Westley was the top run-scorer across all competitions Lunch which is a complete sell-out, thoughts turn to 2020.
with Geoff Bendall winning the £250 prize. Michael Oliver Besides the special dinner mentioned above we will be
drew Nick Browne who scored the highest score in an having our usual early and late season lunches and will work
innings this season, winning Michael the £100 prize. with our official travel organiser, Klarners, to come up with
some attractive away trips. All this is fixture list dependent
and we will firm up plans as soon as possible in the New
Year. Look out for details in the next issue of this magazine
which will also have details of the AGM. Winter well, and see
you next season.
29MLM ADVERT
NOW AND THEN…
35 YEARS ON FROM THE DOUBLE
Essex wrote a special place in cricket history in 2019 when An outstanding bowling attack was led by John Lever who
they became the first club to win the County Championship claimed 106 Championship wickets with new ball partner Neil
and T20 titles in the same year. Foster taking 78 despite missing several matches through
injury, whilst Derek Pringle claimed 55 wickets and Gooch
Back in 1984, Keith Fletcher’s side also achieved the double
36 victims. With such a plethora of wickets falling to the
when they won the Championship and John Player Special
pacemen, and with Ray East on the cusp of retirement, David
League. But that was the last time Essex had enjoyed two
major successes in the domestic calendar. Acfield was entrusted to capitalise when skipper Fletcher
turned to spin and he responded with 43 wickets.
With a curious twist of fate, Taunton was the venue those 35
years ago where the Championship was decided. With one Fletcher was a master tactician who still boasts one of the
game remaining, Essex and Nottinghamshire were scrapping finest cricket brains. He led the side with authority and
it out for bragging rights to be crowned Champions with great success yet would seldom shirk from chasing the
the Midlanders four points ahead in the race for the top opportunity of a win backing his charges to prevail often
honour. Victory for Notts against Somerset would guarantee when the odds appeared against them. So effective was his
them the title irrespective of the result of the Essex match judgement that only three matches of the 24 were lost with
with Lancashire. As it happened, Essex swept the Red Rose eight drawn, although, had not the weather intervened in a
county aside in two days at Old Trafford and all attention number of those stalemates, the success ratio would have
was focussed on events down in the West Country for the been even greater.
final day of the season.
Fletcher, a one-time England captain, was awarded an OBE
A gripping affair at Taunton left Notts requiring 30 runs from in 1985. He played for Essex from 1962 until 1988 and was
the last three overs and when the last over started, they still a pivotal figure throughout the dynasty of success that the
wanted 14 with their last pair at the crease. Ten runs were club enjoyed from 1979 until 1992. The twin trophies of 1984
collected from the first three deliveries before the next was a took the number of major titles during his tenure to six,
dot ball. Then Mike Bore, one of the games genuine rabbits, and there were more to come in the ensuing years as the
struck the next ball high and long. Initially, it seemed to be juggernaut of achievement rolled on.
clearing the boundary until losing height and descending into
the hands of Richard Ollis stationed just inside the boundary Unlike the modern-day set-up, there were no specialist
to give Somerset the win and allowing Essex to retain their one-day players, generally those that played the three-day
title by a 14-point margin. game would appear in the limited-overs affairs learning to
adapt to the demands that the afternoon game brought. In
A further similarity between the 1984 title winners and that 1984, the one-day competition spanned 40 overs, with there
of the present year is that on every occasion a Championship being no T20 back then.
victory was recorded, the opposition were bowled out twice
- no need for declaration games! Again the two protagonists for the limited-overs title that
season were Essex and Notts, but the side from Chelmsford
Looking back to 1984, Championship cricket was played over
clinched the title with two matches remaining after winning
three days with the regulations insisting on 117 overs being
12 of their 16 matches with just three defeats and one tied
bowled on days one and two with 110 on the final day.
encounter.
With the likes of the legendary Graham Gooch and South
The batting phenomena that were Gooch and McEwan
African Ken McEwan proving key contributors with the bat,
amassed 613 and 535 runs respectively in the Sunday League
Essex were one of the most entertaining and attractive sides
whilst Derek Pringle struck 387 runs, Gladwin 382 and
to watch. In 1983, the Championship schedule spanned 24
Fletcher 357 runs. Lever again led the attack with 23 wickets
matches with Gooch collecting 2,281 runs at an average
whilst Norbert Phillip claimed 20 and all-rounders Stuart
of 69.12, whilst Overseas player McEwan scored 1,563 at
Turner took 17 wickets.
47.36. Chris Gladwin and Keith Fletcher offered the most
meaningful support with 1,141 and 932 runs respectively. As in 2019, it was a memorable, wonderful summer!
31BATMAKER ADVERT
SIR ALASTAIR COOK:
TAUNTON, NEXT SEASON & MARCUS TRESCOTHICK
Sir Alastair Cook has been there and done it all. He’s scored the most
Test runs for England (12,472) and has captained his country to two
Ashes victories. Yet when batting down at Taunton with the County
Championship on the line, he was feeling the heat.
Cook said: “I was nervous all week, there’s always going to be little
twists and turns. You don’t bat on a wicket like that and just cruise, you
need a little bit of luck on those wickets.
The 34-year-old used all of his experience to hold firm, and Essex
finished 45-1 with the captains shaking hands just before the close of
play. Cook scored a vital 53 in the first innings and followed that up with
an unbeaten 30 in the second.
He added: “I have played in sub-continent conditions quite a lot, and I
suppose that’s where my experience comes from with a unique method.
The draw meant that Essex secured a second County Championship
title in three years, on which Cook said: “This is so special. All that stuff
(knighthood) is great, but it’s about the memories you create with this
group of guys. There is a lot of home-grown Essex players and that’s
great for our success.”
And on next season, the ex-England captain was quick to reveal
that the Club fully intends to defend their title, saying: “Obviously
we don’t want to look too far ahead, but next year is the same
group of players and it could be quite special.”
After achieving so much in the game, a lot of people
speculated that maybe Cook would bow out with this as his
final innings if Essex reclaimed the Championship, but he
has assured Essex fans that this won’t be the case.
He revealed: “I’ve had a few texts this week saying
‘if you win the league, is that it?’ But I’ve promised Tendo
(Essex captain Ryan Ten Doeschate) I’ll play for another
year at least.”
“This keeps you young. You’ve got the 19 and 20-year-olds
who put music on the iPod you’ve never heard of and all
that kind of stuff.”
“I’m not actually that old, but I’ve got a few miles in the legs
on a cricket field. I feel like an old man trying to run between
the wickets!”
The match down at Taunton will not only be remembered as the
game that Essex secured their eighth Championship title, but also
as the final match of Marcus Trescothick’s career.
The 43-year-old announced in June that he would retire at the end
of the season and bring down the curtain on a first-class career
that started in 1993.
The former England man received a huge ovation as he came
on to the field as a substitute for the final few minutes, with
Cook saying: “He was out there sledging me!
“He said ‘This will be a story if I catch you right at the end’.
Luckily Dominic Bess bowled me one on leg-stump, which
I could clip and get away.
“But what a career Tres has had. To play for 27 years
is extraordinary.”
33TIPTREE ADVERT
WOMEN’S XI
SEASON REVIEW
The Essex Women’s team enjoyed another Mady Villiers was in fine form with the bat from the off,
successful season, with real progression made in and her scores of 55 runs from 57 balls and 52 runs from
both the County Championship 50-over and T20 45 balls were key to the blistering start.
competitions.
Unfortunately, with three important games being
With the 50-over campaign occurring at the start of the cancelled, the team ended up finishing joint fifth with both
season, Kelly Castle’s side played their first game against Yorkshire and Scotland, again narrowly missing out on
Middlesex at The Cloudfm County Ground, the home of promotion, this time by just 2 points.
Essex Cricket. Captain Kelly Castle was proud with her team’s efforts
Looking to get their season off to a good start, the team and said: “Although we missed out on promotion in both
put in a solid all-round performance to bowl the visitors formats, we were so close to those top spots and the
out for 160 in 40.1 overs, with Castle taking 3 for 16. standard of cricket that was played this year was higher
In reply, strong partnerships were built, and a special than ever.
mention must go to Beth Dodd for her marathon batting “This was the highest that we’ve finished in either
performance which put the team in a really strong competitions for a number of years, and I’m so proud of
position. With a loud home crowd, Essex knocked off the everyone in the team for putting in the hard work and
runs with 8 overs to spare. proving their potential”.
This was just one of the highlights from the 2019 season, Further than Essex, after Mady Villiers’ selection for the
with plenty of other standout performers throughout the England Academy over the winter, her hard work didn’t go
year, such as Jessica Bird for her consistency with the bat unnoticed and was selected to play in the T20 series of the
and Anje Lague for her effective and economical off-spin. Ashes. On debut, she made impressive figures of 2 for 20.
The team went on to finish third, just 4 points behind The structure of women’s cricket is set to change over the
second-place and narrowly missing promotion. winter, but one thing that is for sure is that the side will
The T20 competition couldn’t have got off to a better continue to improve on their skills and will continue to take
start, with Essex winning the first three games against on the challenges and opportunities that the 2020 season
Somerset, Yorkshire and Derbyshire. will bring.
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36 *Cancellations or delays in your treatment can occur for clinical reasons; these will be discussed with you as part of your ongoing care pathway.LAST SEASON IN NUMBERS
It was another memorable season for everyone at The Cloudfm County Ground, but which players performed best in each format.
Here, we do some number crunching to find out…
913 83
794 48
725 34
COOK HARMER
WESTLEY PORTER
LAWRENCE SIDDLE
Runs Wickets
421 12
??? ??? 8 9
CHOPRA SIDDLE
WESTLEY COLES
LAWRENCE BOPARA
Runs Wickets
409 386
17 12
363 12
DELPORT HARMER
LAWRENCE BOPARA
WESTLEY ZAMPA
Runs Wickets
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@scruttonblandARON NIJJAR: FINALS DAY, TAUNTON & THE FUTURE
Imagine making your first appearance of the season at close in terms of the celebrations, whether you’ve played all
Finals Day. There is packed out crowd, Sky Sports are the games or not. Everyone gets stuck in.
broadcasting the games to the entire world and you’re
“Everyone’s truly happy for each other and how well
called into the team to replace your Overseas spinner. It’s
they’ve done. But it was nice to be involved, to have
not your normal scenario, but it is exactly what happened
contributed to the wins and been part of the celebrations.”
to Aron Nijjar.
It’s quite astonishing to think that the 25-year-old had only
The 25-year-old said: “With Zampa going, and the fact we
played in one competitive T20 match before Finals Day,
wanted to keep the same sort of formula, it was clear we’d
with Nijjar adding: “Yes, it has been a long time coming.
be needing two spinners. I had an inkling I might play the
way the wicket played in the first semi-final [Notts Outlaws We’ve signed [Ashar] Zaidi, who’s come and gone since
v Worcestershire Rapids]. Again it was a wicket that was then, and [Simon] Harmer, so it has been tough to get in
conducive to spin. the side when we’ve been playing with one spinner. But the
wicket was conducive to spin, so it was slightly easier to get
“I was quite nervous and anxious beforehand, but once I
in.”
got into the swing of things it was all right. You don’t have
too much time to be nervous with everything that’s going Two days later it was a no-brainer for Essex to pick him on
on. It was just really nice to get on the board early with a the spin-friendly pitch at Taunton, with Nijjar saying: “It was
wicket and build my way into that first game and set myself one of those wickets that was going to turn the longer the
up for the final.” game went on. And as you could see from how hard we had
to battle with the bat, I’m sure it would have been lovely to
Nijjar stunned the 25,000 people in attendance, taking 3
have bowled on.”
for 26 against Derbyshire Falcons in the semi-final, more
than justifying Simon Harmer’s decision to include him in Despite 17 of the 21 wickets falling to spin in the match,
the XI. Before the game, journalists in the press box were Nijjar bowled just 28 balls. However, he did mark his 25th
scrambling frantically for his statistics, with many not too birthday with the key wicket of Roelof van der Merwe,
sure on who he was, but they’ll certainly know now. bowled trying to reverse sweep, just when the South
African looked set to take the initiative away from Essex.
In the final that followed just over an hour later, he didn’t
manage to claim to wicket, but bowled tightly enough to Essex held their nerve to secure and draw, which was
help deliver a first T20 title for the Eagles after only being enough to secure another County Championship title,
hit for 31 runs from his 4 overs. the second for the Club in three years, capping off a truly
memorable week for Aron and everybody associated with
Head Coach Anthony McGrath described the scenes at
the Club.
Edgbaston as “unbelievable” and on the celebrations, Nijjar
said: “We’ve got a very tight-knit squad, so everyone is very
39You can also read
