Essex have named former Zimbabwe seamer Douglas Hondo as fast-bowling coach for the men’s team on a permanent basis following a temporary spell working with the club last season.
The 46-year-old has been added to a coaching set-up led by director of cricket Chris Silverwood which includes men’s batting coach Tom Huggins, academy director Barry Hyam and men’s high-performance coach Mark Pettini.
Hondo, who played nine Test matches and 56 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe, said returning to Essex was a “no-brainer” after his experience at Chelmsford in 2025.
“From day one last summer, I was impressed by the culture, the passion, and the potential within the group,” Hondo said., external
“I am truly excited about the prospects ahead and the chance to work with such a skillful group of bowlers.
“I am looking forward to pushing standards, and contributing to a future filled with growth, success, and unforgettable moments.”
Silverwood described Hondo as “the perfect addition to our staff”, adding: “Throughout the summer, he bonded really well with the lads and consistently demonstrated exactly what we were looking for in a men’s bowling coach.”