Ryan Tendo steps down as Essex skipper

After leading the county side Essex for four years, Netherlands all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate has stepped down from the post. The 39-year old will be replaced by Tom Westley. However, ten Doeschate will continue as a player, having inked a one-year extension deal with the club in October.

“Now is the right time for someone new to take charge,” ten Doeschate said in an open letter to the club that was published on its website on Tuesday (January 21). “I’d like to thank all our Members and supporters in general who have followed the team over the last four years. I hope we’ve provided much entertainment and that you’ve shared in our pride of representing the club.

“I would like to pay tribute to an incredible bunch of players who have given everything to the team over the last four years and to whom I will always be indebted for allowing me to live out my cricket dream,” an emotional ten Doeschate added. “I can’t wait to join the troops, focus on my batting, and to give the new captain all of my support in continuing to try to get the best out of our great club.”

The cricketer took over the role in 2016, and tasted great success, helping his team to two Championship titles in the last three years. He led Essex in 58 FC games, winning 33 and losing 8. Ten Doeschate has represented the club in 477 matches, scoring 27 hundred with 300 wickets, but added that the biggest honour was leading Essex.

“It’s important to remember that Ryan isn’t stepping away from Essex, he’s still very much part of this club and I’m sure he will continue to have a positive presence both on and off the field,” said Anthony McGrath, Essex’s current coach.

“Ryan has done an outstanding job and deserves every bit of praise he gets. He’s been a fantastic captain, a close friend and an excellent leader who I’ve learned a lot from. We’ve been so successful as a club under his guidance, and my main goal as captain is to continue the great work he’s done; to carry on winning games of cricket and ultimately bring more trophies to this great club,” succeeding captain Westley stated.

Westley joined Essex as a 13-year old and has played 152 FC games since his debut to the senior team in 2006.