Essex have made a big effort to retain their T20 blast title this season, by making Moises Henriques their second overseas signing for the campaign. He will join fellow Australian Adam Zampa at Chelmsford for the Blast season, both should be excellent additions to the champions.
The signing of Henriques is a real statement that Essex are not content with the success of 2019, and want even more silverware this year. Henriques, Zampa and T20 specialist Cameron Delport are three players with real talent with which Essex can build another successful team.
The New South Wales native, now 33, is considered a veteran of T20 cricket, representing 4 different franchises in the IPL and two different franchises in the Australian big bash. This experience will add to the Essex ranks, as will his undoubted skill, averaging just over 26 in his T20 career, including 11 T20Is
Head coach Anthony McGrath is thrilled with the signing stating “I’ve been following Moises’ career for a while now and I think he’s exactly what we need going into this year’s Blast campaign.
He’s been excellent in the IPL and was instrumental for Sydney Sixes in their recent Big Bash success”
Henriques is also excited about the summer, sating “The opportunity to join the reigning champions and the challenge of defending the title is something I’m really excited about”
McGrath added, “His runs got them over the line on plenty of occasions and it’s clear he’s an excellent leader, too, so I have no doubt he’ll be a great fit in our dressing room.”
Experience is not a characteristic Essex are lacking in their dressing room, with Ryan ten Doeschate and Simon Harmer providing plenty. The loss of Bopara may hurt them, however. It’s one reason for bringing a player with the credentials of Henriques into the fold.
Essex were, for many, surprise winners of The Blast last season, but that does not mean they aren’t confident going into this year’s campaign. The signing of Henriques will help them, especially in tight run chases where it is often experience and composure that is required.
We can expect Henriques to contribute to this Essex team with experience and composure a plenty.
