Ryan ten Doeschate signs new Essex contract

The 40-year-old, who made his debut for the county in 2003, led Essex to three red-ball titles in four seasons, before handing the captaincy to Tom Westley at the end of last season

Former Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate has signed a one-year contract extension with the club.

The 40-year-old, who made his debut for the county in 2003, led Essex to three red-ball titles in four seasons, before handing the captaincy to Tom Westley at the end of last season.

He then averaged 51 in this year’s T20 Blast, while averaging 31.14 in the club’s victorious Bob Willis Trophy campaign.

The South Africa-born allrounder, who has represented the Netherlands at international level, said: “I feel that I have sustained my ability to contribute to the team this year and my hunger and passion for the game and the club is at an all-time high.”

Ryan ten Doeschate: Essex's man for all eras

Head coach Anthony McGrath added: “Ryan is a massive player for us, both on the field and within the dressing room.

“He gives everything his all and you can’t buy his attitude and experience, which has helped us get over the line on plenty of occasions, like in the Bob Willis Trophy Final last Sunday.

“He’s also a fantastic leader and sets a great example for everyone in the changing room. For the younger players, being able to turn to him and ask him for advice is unbelievable and that will undoubtedly improve them as cricketers.”

In an interview with The Cricketer ahead of the 2020 season, ten Doeschate stressed that he was conscious of choosing the right moment to call time on his Essex career.

“Internally, there is no indication that it’s coming to an end,” he stressed. “I don’t feel any more tired or any less effective. But I’m conscious of getting the timing right; I don’t know when that will be, but it will be mainly led by the club.”

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