Coach seeks uplift in results for Essex Women

Former Lancashire and England spin bowler Stephen Parry is hoping this season will be "a lot more positive" for Essex Women after taking over as head coach.

Parry was appointed on a three-year contract, replacing Andy Tennant, after the team won only six of their 28 games in the One-Day Cup and T20 Blast in 2025.

They begin the new season by taking on Hampshire at the Utilita Bowl in the One-Day Cup on Saturday with largely the same squad, but with Nick Browne installed as batting coach to work alongside Parry and seam bowling coach Cath Dalton.

"I've always liked the young, vibrant energy the team's got," Parry told BBC Essex.

"When you're young, you're more likely to have inconsistent performances, and the decision-making under pressure is something I've identified for us to get stronger at.

"We're still going to get things wrong, but owning that, and believing and taking accountability for your performance is something the group seems really strong about, and I am as well."

Parry won seven white-ball caps for England in 2014 and 2015 and featured in the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

He was part of the coaching team with Lancashire Women before deciding to make the move south to test himself in a more senior position.

"There's definitely more to achieve from this group of players," he said of the Essex squad, captained by Grace Scrivens.

"[My] first month [here], I was finding my feet, but like with anything you need to build relationships and they understand my philosophy now. I'm trying to get everybody better, not just the players, but the coaches and the whole environment and culture.

"The club have been really supportive, and the intention is to grow the women's game. [Director of cricket] Chris Silverwood and [chief executive] Dan Feist have had some honest but exciting conversations about how we're going to try and move everything forward as a whole.

"Results can change the mood but as long as we keep the environment strong we'll be in a good place."

Parry said he hoped to provide "energy around everything" as a method for improving results and performances.

He added: "That's what they're starting to understand now, it's more bespoke towards them, and hopefully we can have a lot more positive season."