Essex have appointed former South Africa fast bowler Andre Nel as the assistant coach as well as the bowling coach. Nel will work alongside the head coach Anthony McGrath.

The 41-year-old South African has served as a player at the club and was a part of the team’s title-winning campaign in the 45-over competition in 2005. He will move on from his role as the head coach of the Easterns in South Africa to take up the new job.

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“It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to bring Andre to Chelmsford,” said McGrath. “Andre played cricket at an elite level throughout his entire career and brings with him a huge wealth of cricket experience and knowledge. Being a former Essex player, he also has a good understanding of the club, our fans and the ethos.

“I know our bowlers are especially happy he’s on board and are looking forward to working with him, and the whole squad will profit from his technical and tactical knowledge.”

Nel played 36 Tests and picked up 123 wickets at 31.86 and accounted for 106 scalps from 79 one-day internationals in an international career that spanned from 2001 to 2008. He called time on his playing career in 2013.

In addition to coaching the Easterns, Nel has also had stints at Phantoms, as head coach for 2014 and 2015 Ram Slam campaigns, and at South Africa’s National Cricket Academy as bowling coach and assistant coach since 2016.

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“I’m really thrilled to be joining Essex as assistant head coach and bowling coach,” Nel said. “As a former Essex player I know it’s a fantastic club to be involved with and since leaving I’ve always followed from afar. I’m really eager to get working with such a talented group of players and contribute to the future success of the club.”

Essex, the 2017-18 County Championship winners, will look to better their third-place finish in Division One last season.

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