Essex Cricket have announced that Men’s seam bowler Charlie Bennett has signed a new rookie deal, strengthening the Club’s emerging talent group.
Bennett, 19, has signed a new one-year rookie extension with Essex Cricket that will keep him at the Club until the end of October 2026.
On signing his new deal, Bennett said: “I am really happy to have been given the one-year extension on my rookie contract.
“Making my debut in all three formats during the 2025 season was something I didn’t expect going into the year, and I am incredibly proud of that achievement.
“I want to thank the coaching staff and my teammates for believing in me as I stepped into the first team. Taking a five-wicket haul in the One Day Cup and finishing with twelve wickets overall, as well as making my first-class debut, has hopefully set the foundation for something special with this great Club.
“I look forward to seeing our Members and supporters again for what I hope will be a fantastic 2026 season.”
Charlie made his first-team debut against Somerset at Taunton in the Vitality Blast, live on Sky Sports, on 08 July 2025 before showcasing his talent during the Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign. In seven List A appearances of the 2025 season, Bennett claimed 12 wickets at an average of 23.66, including a five-wicket haul against Surrey at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
The tall right-arm seamer made his official first-class debut at Edgbaston in September, although the match was abandoned due to weather. He then earned his first completed County Championship appearance (and first home outing) at Chelmsford in the final match of the 2025 season, taking match figures of 5-109 against Somerset at just 19 years old.
Essex Cricket’s Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood said: “We are happy to see Charlie sign this extension to his rookie contract after a brilliant breakthrough year.
“To see a product of our Academy come into the first team and make his debut in all three formats is something we are extremely proud of and it is a testament to his eagerness to develop his game.
“I look forward to working closely with Charlie to help him further his skills, and I am sure the 2025 season was a great foundation for what is to come.”
© Cricket World 2025
