Gooch quits Essex role

Graham Gooch is stepping down as first-team batting coach for Essex to focus on his role with the England team.

Matt Walker to be an assistant to head coach Paul Grayson

Graham Gooch is stepping down as first-team batting coach for Essex to focus on his role with the England team. The former England opening batsman will continue as a club ambassador for the county, who he represented from 1973 to 1997, alongside his position as national batting coach. "I'm sad that I am unable to continue my coaching duties with Essex," Gooch said in a statement on Essex's website. "I never wanted to relinquish this role at the club but as my England commitments have grown it is now impossible to do justice to both roles. "I look forward to supporting Essex cricket in the future through my work as the club ambassador." Essex have also announced that Matt Walker will be joining the coaching staff as the assistant to head coach Paul Grayson. Walker joined in 2009 from Kent and whilst he will still be registered as a player it is expected he will now take up more of a coaching role. "We want to thank Graham for his services with the coaching side of the team," Grayson said. "He has been a massive support to both the playing squad and myself but we understand the England requirements he has. "I am really excited to be working alongside Matt Walker as he has vast knowledge of the game and I know he is looking forward to this next chapter of his career."