Alastair Cook Extends Essex Contract Until 2018

Alastair Cook, England's Test captain, has inked a new deal with County Side Essex, one that will see the left-hander remain at the club until the 2018 season. Cook, who has played for Essex ever since he made his first-class debut 13 years ago, scored 643 runs at an average of 91.85 in seven games this year, helping his side top the second division of the County Championship and thereby achieve promotion to the first division for the 2017 season.

"It was an easy decision to sign with the club for another year," the 31-year-old said on Wednesday (September 28). "Although I am away with England a lot, this club means a lot to me and I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me as a youngster.

"I love coming back to the club when I can and contributing to a title winning season meant a great deal," Cook added.

Chris Silverwood, Essex's coach, expressed delight at Cook's decision to extend his stint and hoped that the presence of England's all-time record run-getter in Tests would help consolidate Essex's position in the top-flight of the County Championships.

"Although Cooky is away with England a lot of the time it is still brilliant to have him back when he is available," Silverwood said. "He offers the squad a wealth of knowledge and also a weight of runs. Hopefully at the start of next summer he can be about a bit more and contribute to stabilising our position in County Championship Division One."