Cook was a key player as Essex won the County Championship in 2017: Image courtesy of Essex Cricket

Essex County Cricket Club have announced that Alastair Cook has committed his future to the Club and signed a contract extension that will see him remain with Essex for the next three years.

Cook’s international career has been celebrated after he announced he will make his final appearance for England at the Kia Oval this week against India.

Alongside his successful international career, Cook was also a vital part of the Essex side which won the County Championship in 2017, the county’s first Championship title in a quarter of a century.

Having come through the Essex Academy, Cook made his first-class debut against Nottinghamshire in 2003, scoring 69 not out in his second innings and helping Essex to a 9-wicket victory.

It wasn’t long before England came calling and the 33-year-old has gone on to have a hugely successful international career and holds numerous England Test cricket records, such as England’s most capped player in Tests (160), England’s most capped Test captain (59), the most Test centuries for England (32) and the most Test runs for England (12,254).

Essex Head Coach Anthony McGrath is delighted that Cook will be staying and commented: “It’s great news that Cooky has committed his future to the Club.

“He’s one of the best batsmen in the world and he’s so important for us both on and off the pitch. He’s a great person to have around the Club and is a great role model for the young players coming through.

“He also has the ability to change a game with his batting and that’s something everyone wants in their team.”

Report provided by Essex CCC