Assistant head coach Andre Nel leaves Essex

The 44-year-old, who was also the club's bowling coach, won four trophies in three years on Essex's coaching staff, including the County Championship and T20 Blast double in 2019

Essex's assistant head coach and bowling coach Andre Nel has left the club.

The South African former fast bowler, who played for Essex in 2005 and 2007, re-joined the club in March 2019 after coaching stints with Easterns, the South African National Cricket Academy and Phantoms in his homeland.

Over a successful three seasons, Essex won the County Championship and T20 Blast in 2019, the Bob Willis Trophy in 2020, and County Championship Division Two in 2021.

Nel, 44, said: "I’ve absolutely loved my three years back at Chelmsford and I’m grateful for the support myself and the team have received during this time.

"I’d like to thank the club for the opportunity to come back, the other coaches and players for their relentless hard work and the members and fans for their unrivalled loyal support. I’m leaving with some fantastic memories that will stay with me forever."

^{Nel won four trophies while at Essex, including the 2020 Bob Willis Trophy}

Essex’s strong bowling was crucial to their success during Nel’s tenure, with seamers such as Sam Cook, Jamie Porter and Peter Siddle forming a strong attack alongside spinner Simon Harmer. However, despite being among the favourites for the Championship title last season, early losses in their group meant they had to settle for Division Two success when the first-class season resumed in late August.

On Nel, Anthony McGrath, Essex's head coach, said: "His knowledge and skillset have been extremely beneficial to our bowlers, whilst I have no doubt he will go on to experience more success as a coach elsewhere.

"He will be missed but his departure allows the club and me to re-examine our coaching structure and move forward with a strong appointment for next season."

Nel’s departure is the latest chapter is a busy off-season for Essex, who announced the signing of allrounder Matt Critchley last week. Batter Ryan ten Doeschate retired after 19 seasons with the club, while Ronnie Irani stepped down from the board in October amid signs of tension in the dressing room.

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