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England captain Alastair Cook extends deal with Essex

Opening batsman Cook, a one-county man throughout his 13-year career, averaged more than 90 for Essex, based in Chelmsford, east of London, this season and scored 643 runs in between his Test commitments.

Alastair Cook's runs helped Essex win the Second Division title © Getty Images
Alastair Cook’s runs helped Essex win the Second Division title © Getty Images

England captain Alastair Cook has signed a one-year contract extension to stay at county side Essex until the end of 2018, it was announced Wednesday. Opening batsman Cook, a one-county man throughout his 13-year career, averaged more than 90 for Essex, based in Chelmsford, east of London, this season and scored 643 runs in between his Test commitments. The 31-year-old left-hander’s runs helped Essex win the Second Division title and promotion to the top tier of English cricket’s first-class County Championship. “It was an easy decision to sign with the club for another year,” said Cook.

“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, England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer added. Essex coach Chris Silverwood was delighted to see Cook remain loyal to the county. “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, he added.” READ: Gareth Batty returns to England Test squad after 11 years for Bangladesh tour; Joe Root rested for ODI series

 

Cook, will be leading England’s Test squad on the tour to Bangladesh. The first Test at Chittagong starts October 20. He will be missing the two warm-up matches on October 14 and 16 respectively though. England selectors had named three uncapped players in the Test squad that will be touring Bangladesh.

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