Colchester's Ben Allison leaves Essex to join Worcestershire

The 24-year-old bowling all-rounder will join Worcestershire on a permanent basis, from the start of the 2025 season.

Allison has played a combined 54 matches in all formats for Essex since making his first-team debut in September 2020 against Sussex Sharks, in the Vitality Blast.

Former Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club youngster Allison said: “Firstly, I would like to thank everyone at the club for the fantastic memories.

Ben Allison has signed for Worcestershire on a permanent basis from the start of the 2025 season.

🦅 #FlyLikeAnEagle

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 3, 2024

“The decision to leave has been incredibly difficult. I've been with the club since I was eight years old, and I love it here.

“But at the same time, I need to think about my career development, and right now, that means I need to be playing more cricket.

“While it’s a tough decision, I believe it’s the right one for my career.

“I am indebted to the many coaches I have worked with during my time at Essex and they have each played their part in my development so far.

(Image: TGS PHOTO)

“In particular, I owe a huge amount to Barry Hyam who has been instrumental in my career so far and has given me valuable support throughout my journey since under nines cricket.

“Lastly, I would like to thank the Members and supporters who have given me support whenever I have played.

“I grew up supporting the club so to wear the shirt as a first team player has been a huge honour.”

🗣 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘆!

We spoke to Ben Allison following the announcement of his move to Worcestershire. pic.twitter.com/muWbeXf5Kr

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 3, 2024

Allison came through Essex’s Player Pathway and, other than short loan spells to Worcestershire and Gloucestershire where he made his first-class debut in 2019, he has spent his entire career with the Eagles.

He has taken 54 wickets for Essex, with a first-class innings best of 5/32, while as a lower-order batter, he has hit 513 runs with three red-ball 50s.

Always tough leaving your boyhood club. Grew up watching the likes of Tendo, Napes, Ravi, and it was always a dream to play for Essex. I have loved every moment playing for the 🦅🦅🦅 https://t.co/yBYuMY5CGq

— Ben (@benny_alli5on) September 3, 2024

Essex Director of Cricket Anthony McGrath, said: “We’re obviously disappointed to lose a player of Ben’s calibre, especially as he is also a great member of the dressing room, but we understand his reasons for wanting to explore a new challenge elsewhere.

“We are grateful for his efforts in an Essex shirt across all formats of the game, and we wish him the best of luck for the future.”