Essex hand Cook three-year contract after opener quits international arena

Alastair Cook, who will retire from international cricket after the clash between England and India at the Kia Oval, is to play on in domestic cricket, with the length of his new deal suggesting he believes he has plenty still to give the county game

^{Alastair Cook is signing a new three-year contract at Chelmsford}

Essex have announced that Alastair Cook has signed a new, three-year contract at Chelmsford.

Cook, who will retire from international cricket after the clash between England and India at the Kia Oval, is to play on in domestic cricket, with the length of his new deal suggesting he believes he has plenty still to give the county game.

The opener made his debut for Essex in May 2003 and has spent his entire career with the side. Along with his stellar record breaking time in the England team, Cook has had a brilliant career at Chelmsford and he was a vital part of Essex's title-winning team in 2017 as the county won their first County Championship trophy in 25 years. 

He will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his former mentor, Graham Gooch, who spent five years in county cricket at Chelmsford after his retirement from the international arena in 1995.

Anthony McGrath, Essex head coach, has expressed his delight at Cook's extension with the club, stating: “It’s great news that Cooky has committed his future to the club.

“He’s one of the best batsmen in the world and he’s so important for us both on and off the pitch. He’s a great person to have around the club and is a great role model for the young players coming through.

“He also has the ability to change a game with his batting and that’s something everyone wants in their team.”

Cook, England's record runscorer, will make his 161st Test appearance when he walks out at the Oval on Friday.