New Delhi, September 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tom Westley has stepped down as captain of Essex County Cricket Club after six years in the role, the club confirmed on Monday. He will officially conclude his captaincy following the club’s match against Glamorgan.
Westley took over the leadership from Ryan ten Doeschate in January 2020 and said that captaining Essex had been the greatest honour of his career. However, he felt the time was right for a change after a difficult season in which the team struggled for results.
“Captaincy of Essex has been, and always will be, my greatest honour. It has been a privilege to serve this great Club, and it saddens me that I haven’t been able to leave it in a better place,” Westley said, as quoted by the club.
“Personally, I feel that my biggest value is scoring runs and contributing to Essex victories, something which I haven’t been able to achieve this year. For that reason, I feel now is the right time for a change and for the Club to explore a new direction,” he added.
Westley, currently the club’s longest-serving player, joined the Essex academy in 2003 and made his first-team debut in 2007. He went on to lead the side to silverware in his first season as captain, guiding Essex to victory in the Bob Willis Trophy final at Lord’s.
Reflecting on the demands of the captaincy, Westley acknowledged that the role had been challenging, particularly during the current season. He also took responsibility for the team’s performances in the second half of the year.
“It is an all-encompassing role which has been demanding at times, none more so than this current season, for which I will be accountable. No one is more disappointed than I am with the results of the second half of the year,” he said.
Westley thanked the club’s members, supporters, former and current players, and coaching staff for their support throughout his tenure.
He also expressed gratitude to his family for standing by him through the highs and lows of his cricketing career.
“Above all, I want to thank my family, who have to carry the highs and lows along with me. Thank you,” he said.
FOLLOW NOW
