Essex name Sam Cook as deputy to Tom Westley

Cook is still to make his international debut but has featured for England Lions and this winter played in the SA20 for Joburg Super Kings

Essex have appointed Sam Cook as club vice-captain ahead of the 2024 season.

The seamer has excelled in all formats of the game but first-class cricket is where Cook has been most impressive, taking 252 wickets for Essex at a remarkable average of just 18.41.

"It's a huge honour to be appointed as vice-captain," said Cook, who is still to make his international debut but has featured for England Lions and this winter played in the SA20 for Joburg Super Kings.

"I grew up just down the road from the ground, and it's meant so much to me to play here for as long as I have."

Cook's best year yet came in 2021, taking 58 wickets at 14.43 apiece, before continuing in fine form by taking 51 and 48 wickets in 2022 and 2023.

During a match against Yorkshire in September 2022, he became the first English bowler to reach 200 first-class wickets while averaging less than 20 in more than fifty years.

^{Cook in England Lions action in 2022 (Steve Bardens/Getty Images)}

Cook added: "I'll be as motivated as ever to keep taking wickets for Essex, but hopefully I can now be a mentoring voice for some of the younger bowlers who are beginning to come through as well."

Tom Westley, Essex's captain, added: "He's not only developed into one of the best seam bowlers in the country over recent seasons, but he's developed as a person. He's a natural leader within our dressing room, as with many others.

"I have no doubt that he will have a positive impact in this role, and help to drive the club forward to win more trophies."

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