Upminster Cricket Club is pleased to announce that JJ Smuts is back at Upminster for the 2026 season. Smuts, who was also with the club for the 2022 and 2024 seasons, will go straight into the side for Saturday’s Dukes Essex League Cup encounter against Buckhurst Hill at Upminster Park.

In his previous two stints at the club JJ scored a combined total of more than 1,700 runs as well as picking up 76 wickets and claiming 25 catches!! He has of course been busy in recent months having represented Italy during the recent T20 World Cup where he played in all four group games that the Italian side contested. JJ claimed three wickets during the competition, including that of England skipper Harry Brook, and returned one of the best economy rates of the competition’s group stage.

Of course, during his previous seasons with the club JJ has also played a huge role off the pitch, being a regular presence at junior training and always on hand at weekends to discuss the game with members of the club from all levels. Having landed in the UK this morning JJ said of his return to the club: “I’m looking forward to my third season at UCC, having really enjoyed my two previous years at the club. There have been a few changes at the club since I was here two years ago, and the new pavilion looks awesome, so I am really looking forward to it. I’m hoping for a very successful year at the club.”

Everyone associated with the club would like to welcome JJ back to Upminster and is looking forward to seeing him back in action this weekend.