Michael Pepper signs new Essex contract

Pepper first signed a summer deal with the county in 2018 after impressing in second-team cricket through 2017

The Cricketer | 09/11/2021 at 18:06

Wicketkeeper-batter Michael Pepper has signed a new contract with Essex.

The 23-year-old will now remain at Chelmsford until the end of the 2023 season at the earliest, having enjoyed a breakthrough summer. Pepper featured in 24 games across all formats, making 92 in a County Championship victory over Durham and ending the campaign as Essex’s leading run-scorer in the T20 Blast.

Pepper first signed a summer deal with the county in 2018 after impressing in second-team cricket through 2017.

He said: “I feel like 2021 was a big season for me. I managed to break into the first team and play regular cricket, which was what I set out to do from a personal perspective.

“Next year I’ll be targeting more runs and more victories, which will hopefully lead to the side bringing some more silverware back to Chelmsford.”

John Stephenson, the county’s new chief executive, added: “Michael is a promising youngster who made a solid contribution during his first full season with the first team.

“The coaching staff believe he has enormous potential and can be an Essex regular for years to come if he carries on developing the way he is.”

Pepper was one of several young batters to feature more prominently for Essex in 2021, with Will Buttleman, Feroze Khushi and Josh Rymell all earning opportunities.