'Excited' Daniel Sams returns to Essex for 2024 Vitality Blast

Daniel Sams will make his return to Essex County Cricket Club after the club re-signed him for the forthcoming 2024 Vitality Blast. The 31-year-old Australian all-rounder is anticipated to take part in the first block of eight matches between May and June. Sams, who helped Essex finish as runners-up last season will be back in Chelmsford for the third summer in a row.

Essex's head coach, Anthony McGrath, expressed his delight after Sams returned to the club. He is optimistic that Sams will be key for Essex in the forthcoming tournament just as in the previous event.

"We're obviously delighted to have re-signed Daniel for the Blast this year. He showed us in no uncertain terms what he's capable of last summer, and he was an instrumental part of our team, so we're looking forward to seeing him again for the first block of T20 games," McGrath said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Sams also expressed his delight to return to Chelmsford and is hoping to play a pivotal role in the team's success in the upcoming tournament.

"I'm really excited to be heading back to Essex, especially after the year we had in 2023. Chelmsford is a great ground, filled with really passionate fans, and you feel that energy from the stands when they're packed out under the floodlights. I loved being able to contribute to the success we had last season, and the team, in my opinion, is good enough to have a strong chance of going one better and lifting some silverware," the all-rounder said.

Sams was the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker of Essex in the 2023 Vitality Blast. He has amassed 419 runs in 17 games at an average of 29.92 and has picked up 25 wickets at an average of 21.00 and an economy rate of 8.40. In addition, the 31-year-old also made an effort to assist his team win the 2023 final against Somerset, but they lost by 14 runs, with him being the last man out for 45 off 26.