Four of Essex County Cricket Club’s bright young talents have committed their futures to the County Champions.

Aaron Beard, Aron Nijjar and Callum Taylor have signed contract extensions, while young Academy talent Feroze Khushi has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Beard has signed a one-year contract extension which keeps him at the club until the end of 2019, while Nijjar and Taylor have signed extensions until the conclusion of the 2018 season.

18-year-old Khushi has put pen-to-paper on a two-year professional contract which sees him rewarded for a number of impressive performances with the Second XI.

Head coach Chris Silverwood said: “It is always important to tie up our young, exciting players to contracts so they can focus solely on their cricket.

“This club always gives opportunities to young players as you have seen with Aaron Beard and Sam Cook featuring for the First-Team and Callum Taylor also being regularly involved in squads as well.

“All four are exciting talents and have a lot to offer Essex both now and in the future. Congratulations go to Feroze as well, who has been offered his first professional contract after impressing with both his ability and attitude whenever he has been involved with the First-Team and Academy.”