Cook signs new deal with Essex

 

England Test captain Alastair Cook has signed a two year contract extension with Essex.

The 31 year old, who will miss much of the summer whilst away on England duty, has had a decent start to the season for the county, scoring 523 runs in the opening four matches this season. In addition, the England Test skipper has also hit three centuries.

Cook has played 79 first-class matches for the club, but managed just six appearances in 2014 and 2015.

“It’s great to sign with Essex for another couple of years and I believe there are exciting times ahead for the club under the new head coach,” Cook said.

“I’ve been at Essex for all of my career and I hope to continue playing here for as long as possible.”

Essex are currently 21 points clear at the top of Division Two and Cook has appeared in every County Championship game so far, but he is unlikely to be available for much of the summer, with England playing seven Test matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

“It has been great to have him around the club, especially the experience he passes on to younger members of the squad during training on a day-to-day basis,” said Essex head coach Chris Silverwood.

“We know his England commitments take up a vast amount of the season but when available he has shown how he can further strengthen our batting line-up, and it’s great he will be with the club for another two years.”