Essex allrounder Jamal Richards signs first senior deal

The Edmonton-born teenager was part of the England Under-19s squad that recently toured Australia

Essex allrounder Jamal Richards has signed his first senior contract with the county.

The 18-year-old, who has been on the club's pathway for almost a decade, made his second-team debut in 2021 and turned out in the Royal London Cup last summer.

He follows the likes of Sam Cook, Jamie Porter and Aaron Beard as a seamer coming through the Essex academy.

"It's great to be able sign a new deal with Essex," said Richards. "I've been at the club for nine years now and I'm delighted to call this place home.

"After having a taste of first-team cricket over the last few seasons, I'm motivated to work hard in order to achieve more."

^{Richards follows the likes of Aaron Beard, Jamie Porter and Sam Cook in coming through Essex's academy (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

Richards was part of the England Under-19s squad that toured Australia over the winter, featuring in all four games on the trip. At the end of last summer, he also represented the Young Lions against Sri Lanka.

Essex head coach Anthony McGrath added: "Jamal is one of the brightest talents on the county circuit, so we're thrilled to have him re-sign. He has raw pace with ball in hand and can hit it a long way with the bat too.

"He has shown moments of brilliance when featuring in our One-Day Cup side, and we're all really excited to see him perform in an Essex shirt again soon."

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