County Cricket News: Essex

ESSEX

Monty Panesar has signed a two-year deal with Essex following his loan there this summer. Sussex let go of the 31-year-old left-arm spin bowler after an internal investigation earlier this year.

The England spinner spoke about his time with Essex this summer. "I loved playing for Essex last season. I will always remember how the supporters and members gave me a heart-warming round of applause when I first came on to bowl at the Colchester last August. It helped me to feel respected and loved as a cricketer after experiencing a challenging time in my life."

Panesar took 14 first-class wickets in 6 matches for Essex whilst on loan, averaging 36. His best stats being a 4-wicket haul for 49.

Paul Grayson is the head coach for the Division Two side. He thought one or two clubs from Division One of the County Championships "might have too much money for [Essex to come out the winner]". But Monty said he wanted "to help the club build towards the kind of success they enjoyed in its glory days under legendary captains Keith Fletcher and Graham Gooch."

"I love the family feel of the club and value the role Essex has played in helping me move towards my best, and gain selection for this Ashes series."
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Seamer Maurice Chambers has been signed by the newly promoted Northants.
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Owais Shah retired from first-class cricket but Essex hope to sign him to play limited overs cricket.
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New contracts have been offered to Ravi Bopara, Greg Smith, Graham Napier and David Masters.

Ravi Bopara has extended his time with Essex until the end of 2014. The 28-year-old made his debut with the county in 2002 and has played for them ever since.

Bopara's first-class stats: 8338 runs, averaging 41.48 and has taken 150 wickets, averaging 41.75.

He was named in the England squad for the upcoming ODI's in Australia.

Paul Grayson said; "We know one of Ravi's key aims is to be playing for England but when in an Essex shirt, he's shown how devastation he can be."

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30-year-old Essex all-rounder Greg Smith joined Essex at the end of 2011 from Derbyshire. He has agreed a new two-year contract with Essex after scoring a career-best of 177 against Gloucestershire and taking a 5-wicket haul for 42 against Leicestershire.

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All-rounder Graham Napier has signed on for two more years at Chelmsford. The 33-year-old had an impressive last season after hitting 771 runs and taking 51 wickets in 17 games.

Napier's first-class stats: 4864 runs, averaging 32.64 and has taken 334 wickets, averaging 34.20.

In a YB40 match against Surrey, Napier took four wickets in four balls to help Essex win by 178.

Napier said; "To sign a new contract with Essex for the next two years is excellent and feels like a huge reward after the best season I have ever had in my career at the club."

Paul Grayson, Head Coach at Essex, said; "I am very happy that Graham has signed a new contract, especially after the sensational season he experienced last year. The 2013 season showed how important Graham is to the team when fully fit and I'm sure he will continue to be a key member of the side for the next two years."

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Essex seam bowler David Masters has signed on for another year, keeping him with the county until 2015.

Masters was named as Essex's top wicket-takers for the fourth season in a row. The 35-year-old had a best innings wicket-haul of 6-41 against his former club Kent.

David Masters spoke about playing cricket "for as long as [he] can continue to perform on the pitch." He said; "This will take me up to the age of 37 and I want to play for as long as I can. There is also a lot of responsibility for me now to help the younger players coming through at the club and pass on my experience of the game."

Paul Grayson thinks he "is instrumental in leading our bowling attack".
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Alastair Cook has been awarded a benefit year by Essex to captain England.

The 28-year-old said he "was honoured to be awarded a benefit year by Essex" pledging to donate at least half of what he makes to four different charities; The David Randall Foundation, Chance to Shine, Outreach Uganda and Mind.

Chief Executive Derek Bowden said: "He is a player with immense talent and has proven to be one of the best cricketers Essex CCC has ever produced. He has always shown his admiration for Essex and is a role model for supporters of the club at all ages. I'm sure I can say on behalf of the club, members and supporters that we wish Alastair the best of luck for 2014."


Ball on Willow.