Essex County Cricket Club, on Tuesday, announced that England’s former skipper Alastair Cook has signed a contract extension with the club, committing until the end of 2023 season.
Cook hung his boots from international cricket in 2018 but has continued to play an important role in Essex success, winning the 2019 County Championship, 2020 Bob Willis Trophy and the Division Two title this year.
Last season, the opening batter amassed 611 runs in the County Championship at an average of 32 and was their leading run-getter in the Royal London Club with 455 runs at an average of 56.87.
Cook has been an Essex for his entire career and holds a special place in County’s legacy. Speaking on his contract extension, he said that he has enjoyed his stay at Essex and is excited for the next two years.
“I have really enjoyed my cricket here at Essex since my international retirement. We are lucky to have a fantastic dressing room and great coaching staff, led brilliantly by Anthony McGrath, and I’m looking forward to what hopefully will be another successful couple of years.”
Head coach Anthony McGrath heaped praises on Cook for his contribution to the team with the bat as well as a role model to the younger group. McGrath was delighted that the veteran has committed to the club for two more seasons.
“Alastair is still one of the best batters in the world and he’s so important for us both on and off the field.
He has the ability to take the game away from the opponents in both red-ball and white-ball cricket, and that’s something every head coach wants in their team,”
McGrath stated.
Cook, regarded as one of the greatest batters England has ever produced, has played 161 Test matches for England and has 12472 runs to his credit at an average of 45.4. He also made 96 appearances for England in the limited overs cricket.
