LEICESTER — In a significant move to bolster their batting lineup, Leicestershire County Cricket Club has announced the signing of prolific Middlesex batter Stephen Eskinazi on a three-year contract, commencing at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
The 30-year-old right-hander, renowned for his explosive white-ball batting and growing prowess in the first-class game, will join the Foxes as a local player, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of run-scoring across all formats to the Uptonsteel County Ground.
A Proven Performer Across Formats
Eskinazi’s record speaks for itself. He has been a cornerstone of the Middlesex batting order since his debut in 2016, amassing over 7,000 runs for the club. He is a two-time winner of the Middlesex Player of the Year award (2017 and 2022), underscoring his consistent value and impact.
His credentials in the white-ball game are particularly impressive. He was the leading run-scorer in the entire 2023 Vitality Blast, smashing 548 runs at an average of 45.66 and a blistering strike rate of 156.98. He also boasts a remarkable List A record, averaging over 50 in the format with a strike rate touching 110.
In first-class cricket, Eskinazi has evolved into a reliable and gritty performer. He passed 1,000 Championship runs in the 2022 season and has 12 centuries to his name, demonstrating the concentration and technique required to excel in the longer format.
Strategic Signing for Leicestershire's Ambition
For Leicestershire, this signing represents a major statement of intent. The club has shown marked improvement under the leadership of Director of Cricket Claude Henderson and Head Coach Alfonso Thomas, but has often lacked a consistent, senior batter to anchor the innings.
Eskinazi fills that void perfectly. His signing addresses several key areas the club has targeted for improvement:
- Top-order stability: Providing a reliable and experienced figure at number three.
- White-ball firepower: Adding a dynamic, powerplay aggressor to complement players like Rishi Patel and Louis Kimber.
- Leadership: Bringing in a seasoned campaigner with captaincy experience at the domestic level.
Claude Henderson expressed his delight at securing Eskinazi's signature, stating: "We are absolutely thrilled that Stephen has chosen to join us. He is a top-quality batter who has consistently performed at the highest level of county cricket and will add a huge amount to our batting group across all formats."
Henderson further emphasized the strategic nature of the deal, adding: "He is a proven match-winner, and his desire to help take Leicestershire forward aligns perfectly with our ambitions as a club. He will be a great role model for our younger players and we look forward to welcoming him to the Foxes family."
A New Challenge for Eskinazi
For Eskinazi, the move represents a new chapter and a fresh challenge after spending his entire professional career with Middlesex. The decision, while difficult, was driven by a desire for a new environment and the opportunity to be part of Leicestershire’s exciting project.
Eskinazi commented on the move, saying: "It has been a privilege to represent Middlesex for the past nine years, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and support I have received there. However, I feel the time is right for a new challenge."
He expressed clear enthusiasm for his future at Grace Road, noting: "I have been incredibly impressed with the vision and ambition shown by Claude, Alfonso, and the entire playing group at Leicestershire. There is a real feeling of momentum around the club, and I am excited to contribute to that and help the team compete for trophies."
What This Means for Middlesex
Eskinazi’s departure is undoubtedly a significant loss for Middlesex. As one of their most consistent and popular players, he has been a key figure during a challenging period for the London club. Managing Director of Cricket, Alan Coleman, acknowledged his contribution.
Coleman said: "We would like to thank Stephen for his immense contribution to Middlesex Cricket. He has been an outstanding servant to the Club, and we wish him the very best of luck in his future career at Leicestershire."
The club now faces the considerable task of replacing a batter who has been central to their plans in all three competitions, a process that will likely involve looking both within their academy system and to the external market.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
Eskinazi will see out the remainder of the 2024 season with Middlesex before linking up with his new teammates next year. His arrival immediately elevates the expectations surrounding Leicestershire’s prospects.
The signing is a clear signal that the Foxes are building a squad capable of challenging for promotion in the County Championship and becoming a consistent force in the knock-out stages of the white-ball tournaments.
With a core of exciting young talent like Rehan Ahmed, Rishi Patel, and Louis Kimber now being supplemented by the proven quality and experience of Stephen Eskinazi, the future looks increasingly bright for cricket in Leicester.
The acquisition demonstrates a shrewd and ambitious approach from the Leicestershire hierarchy, one that they and their supporters will hope translates into tangible success on the field starting in the 2025 season.