Greater depth will help Essex next season - Silverwood

Chris Silverwood returned to Essex after spells in charge of England and Sri Lanka

Essex director of cricket Chris Silverwood believes extra strength in depth in the seam bowling department should stand them in good stead next season.

The club finished sixth in the County Championship but were without Sam Cook for much of the campaign because of England calls and injury.

They have already signed Zaman Akhter from Gloucestershire and Mitch Killeen from Durham for the 2026 season.

There are also likely to be more opportunities for 19-year-old Charlie Bennett, who only played two red-ball games, but was their joint leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup with 12.

"I've been through the squad for next year and the depth is much better with the two signings we've made in the bowling department," Silverwood told BBC Essex Sport.

"It gives us more flexibility and depth is one thing we've struggled with a little bit this year.

"It was a concern going into this year but next year looks a lot different, a lot better."

Essex will not have opening bat Nick Browne in the squad in 2026 after he recently announced his retirement from the first-class game.

"It's the right time, definitely," he said.

Browne is now hoping to move into coaching after helping out with the Essex women's team this season.

"I've been doing a lot of that and absolutely loved it, so hopefully I can continue at the club and going down the coaching route would definitely be something I'd be interested in," he added.