TOM Westley has stepped down as captain of Essex County Cricket Club.
The 37-year-old’s six-year reign ended after the 2026 County Championship Division One season.
Westley, the club’s longest-serving current player, became captain in January 2020, succeeding Ryan ten Doeschate.
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Reflecting on his tenure, Westley said: "Captaining 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.
"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."
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂, 𝗧𝗼𝗺! 🫶
Essex County Cricket Club can confirm that Tom Westley will step down as Club Captain.
Westley’s six-year tenure comes to a close, having been appointed in January 2020, taking over from Ryan ten Doeschate.
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/03DyGmrn8C.… pic.twitter.com/RXnB4hfbmI— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 28, 2026
Westley joined the Essex Academy in 2003.
He made his first-team debut four years later, in 2007.
In his first season as captain, he led Essex to victory in the Bob Willis Trophy final at Lord’s.
He also became the One Day Cup’s all-time leading run-scorer in 2025.
Despite his accomplishments, Westley admitted to the challenges of the role, saying: "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."
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Essex director of cricket Chris Silverwood thanked Westley for his contribution as captain.
He said: "We would like to thank Tom for his time as club captain.
"For six years, he has led Essex Cricket with immense pride, passion and commitment, and we are grateful for everything he has given to the role both on and off the field."
Silverwood said the club would announce a new captain in due course.
Westley expressed his gratitude to all the people who supported him, saying: "To the Members and supporters, who are the reason why this club is so special; to the past and current players; and to the coaching staff, I cannot express how truly indebted I am to you all."
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