Essex clinch return of T20 Blast MVP

Australian allrounder Daniel Samsscored 419 runs at an average of 29.92 and took 25 wickets at 21.00 in 2023, and is available for the opening eight-game block

Daniel Sams, the T20 Blast's Most Valuable Player in 2023, will return to Essex for the first eight games of the next season's competition

The Australian all-rounder, hit 419 runs last summer at an average of 29.92 and took 25 wickets at 21.00 in as the Eagles stormed to the final where they were beaten by Somerset at Edgbaston

He was Essex's leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in last season’s competition and returns to help them go one better this summer - but will only be initially available for the first block of fixtures across May and June. Sams could return for September's knockout stage, following a stint in Major League Cricket, if the club progres.

Sams said: "I loved being able to contribute to the success we had last season, and the team is good enough to have a strong chance of going one better and lifting some silverware.

Sams will be available for the first eight group matches across May and June (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

"Chelmsford is a great ground, filled with really passionate fans, and you feel that energy from the stands when they’re packed out under the floodlights."

The 31-year-old has made 10 T20I appearances for Australia and has played franchise cricket across the world, including the IPL and the Big Bash.

This winter has included a stint at the ILT20 with Sharjah Warriors.

Head coach Anthony McGrath added: "He showed us in no uncertain terms what he's capable of last summer, and he was an instrumental part of our team, so we’re looking forward to seeing him again for the first block of T20 games."