Despite turmoil off the pitch this winter the Eagles will be dreaming of a ninth county championship title. Head Coach Anthony McGrath will want better from his team after a disappointing season last year.
Chelmsford will be the place to be this summer with mouth-watering ties across the season
Off pitch antics
In November, Azeem Akhtar became Essex’s first minority chair. However, straight away Akhtar was in hot water with an investigation taking place into his social media accounts during which time he stood down until the investigation concluded.
Akhtar was accused of liking antisemitic tweets, although was cleared of racism by an independent panel in February.
Despite this Akhtar decided not to return as chair saying in a statement: “These last few weeks have been very difficult for my family and me. This has taken a toll on us, and I am determined to do justice to my other professional and personal commitments.”
John Stephenson who was interim chair before Akhtar has once again taken charge and steadied the ship for Essex.
Ones to watch
Essex have reinforced for the new season with key players renewing their contracts and new international stars. The Eagles had high hopes for new signing Will Sutherland, the Aussie all-rounder who was available for all the county championship matches until July.
However, Sutherland has been ruled out for the season with a stress-back facture. Head coach Anthony McGarth said: “It’s really unfortunate that Will has injured himself so close to the 2023 season.
“We were all looking forward to welcoming him to Chelmsford.”
Essex have also tied down young stars Jamal Richards and Luc Benkenstein to new deals after the pair impressed in the One Day cup for the Eagles.
Commenting on his new contract, Richards said, “After having a taste of first-team cricket over the last few seasons, I’m motivated to work hard in order to achieve more.”
Benkenstein also starred in Pakistan junior league over the winter scoring 217 runs and being named in the team of the tournament. He said: “Gaining valuable game time out in the Pakistan Junior League was amazing and I can’t wait to get back out in an Essex shirt soon.” Although Essex has lost some key players for the upcoming season with experienced wicket keeper Adam Wheater retiring after 14 years in cricket.
International eagles
Alongside Will Sutherland, the Eagles have stuck with last year’s pairing of international stars, with fellow Aussie Daniel Sams playing the T20 blast for Essex.
The hard-hitting all-rounder, who took 12 wickets last year, will come from playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in this year’s IPL. The other star is Essex’s ever-present Simon Harmer. The South African spinner will once again captain the T20 side as they look to win the T20 title for the second time in their history.
The Eagles start their campaign against Gloucestershire at home in May and will want to be at Edgbaston for finals day come July.
The opponents
Essex has a tough schedule this season playing the reigning champions of all the three formats.
The reigning county champions Surrey who has strengthened once again in the off season bringing in former England opener Dom Sibley along with West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach. The teams will face each other on day one starting on the 4th of May.
Next, the Eagles face Hampshire Hawks twice in the south group with the first being the second home game of the competition and the reserve fixture being at the tail end of the group stage.
Daniel Sams will play against his co-patriots with Ben McDermott and Nathan Ellis.
Lastly, in the one-day, champions Kent host the eagles in the penultimate game of the competition.
SACA partnership
Essex have also made inroads into their future by partnering with South Asian Cricket Academy in Leyton.
The clubs have entered a three-year deal to promote cricket across the diverse local boroughs.
The partnership will also work closely with the East London Programme to help boys and girls in the local community. I
t will also mean that players from SACA have a pathway into Essex giving them the opportunity to play at the top level.
The teams will also play each other in friendlies in the summer. Speaking to the club website Dan Feist, Essex’s operations director, said: “we are looking forward to helping them develop in the future for the greater good of cricket development in East London.”