England captain Cook signs Essex extension

England captain Alastair Cook has signed a one-year extension to his Essex contract, keeping him with the County Championship side until 2018.

The 31-year-old, who played seven matches in Essex’s Division Two title triumph, averaged 91.86 to underline his value to the club.

Having come through Essex’s academy set-up, Cook said he had no hesitation in extending his stay.

“It was an easy decision to sign with the club for another year,” he told the club’s official website.

Alastair Cook signs one-year contract extension with the club. #CookSigns https://t.co/8M8k3C3QDT pic.twitter.com/42d4OpQMbZ

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 28, 2016

“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.”