Chambers judged as British

Maurice Chambers represented England U19 © Getty Images

Essex seamer Maurice Chambers has been given his British Citizenship and is now eligible to represent his county and England without restriction.

The Jamaican-born cricketer had previously been allowed to feature for Essex as a non-overseas player, as well as for England Under 19, due to special dispensation being granted by the ECB.

Essex chief executive David East explained: “Maurice was in the country as a minor on his Jamaican passport with his mother, and the family had committed themselves to staying in the UK.

“We have been assisting him with naturalisation and the first part of that process was when he was granted permanent leave to remain in the UK last year.

“We have worked with Maurice for several years assisting his development as a player and with his intention to stay in England the time was right for him to become naturalised.”

Chambers made his first-team debut for Essex in 2005 but has been restricted by injuries since.

Academy director and Second XI coach John Childs, who has worked extensively with Chambers, said: “It’s obviously difficult for him at the moment coming back from injury (a stress fracture of the back).

“We are working quite closely with (physio) Mark Thomas on his strength and conditioning to make sure his body is up to the rigours and we are also working and re-checking with the ECB as to his bowling action itself.”