COLCHESTER and East Essex Cricket Club wicket-keeper Simon Fernandes has signed a short-term deal with Essex covering the duration of the 2024 Metro Bank One Day Cup.

The 24-year-old, who was born in Colchester, has been called up with regular Essex wicket keepers Adam Rossington and Michael Pepper currently away at the Hundred.

It will mean Colchester will be without both Fernandes and Charlie Allison as they go in pursuit of the Hamro Foundation Essex Premier League title.

Fernandes, who has represented Colchester since 2017, has been a member of the Essex Pathway since Under-14 level and made his Second XI Championship debut against Hampshire in August, 2021.

 

He has played Second XI cricket for Essex on a more regular basis this year, appearing in five Championship and eight T20 matches, totalling 448 runs across both formats.

Of that amount, 227 have come in T20 cricket at an average of 32.43.

He hit a top score of 92 off 52 balls against Hampshire, earlier this month.

In parallel fashion, Fernandes' top score in red-ball Second XI cricket is also 92 against Hampshire, as part of 221 runs he has hit in the Second XI Championship at an average of 44.20.

Away from Essex sides, Fernandes played for his alma maters Oundle School and Durham UCCE.