England’s cricket captain will play for Essex for at least two more years after putting pen to paper on a new contract.

Alastair Cook, who has played for the county club since 2003, extended his existing agreement by an extra year to take him through to the end of 2018.

Cook averaged more than 90 runs for Essex this summer, notching up a total of 643 between England commitments and helping the team secure promotion and the Specsavers County Championship Division Two title.

Of the new deal he said: “It was an easy decision to sign with the club for another year. 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.”

The 31-year-old opener, England’s all-time record run-scorer, added: “I love coming back to the club when I can, and contributing to a title-winning season meant a great deal.”

Essex coach Chris Silverwood is delighted Cook has again committed his long-term future to the club.

He said: “Although Cooky is away with England a lot of the time, it is still brilliant to have him back when he is available.

“He offers the squad a wealth of knowledge and also a weight of runs.

“We hope at the start of next summer he can be about a bit more and contribute to stabilising our position in Specsavers County Championship Division One.”