Bopara extends Essex contract until 2019

Fan-favourite Bopara has been at the county for 18 years now, having made his first-class debut in 2002 at the tender age of 17

Essex have announced that Ravi Bopara has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2019 season.

Fan-favourite Bopara has been at the county for 18 years now, having made his first-class debut in 2002 at the tender age of 17.

"I’m glad to have signed a new one-year deal with Essex County Cricket Club. I’m excited for the upcoming season, which will be my 18th year with the Club and at 33, I still have plenty of years left," he commented.

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Bopara was Essex's leading run-scorer in the County Championship in 2018 as they finished third, and was a regular during their title-winning season in 2017.

"We had a good campaign in the County Championship last year, but know we can do better. We have a good blend of youth and experience in the dressing room and the depth to challenge for the title, so that’s our goal for next season," he said.

Head coach Anthony McGrath added: "Ravi is an integral part of team and will have a big role to play for us next year. He’s a local lad and has a wealth of cricketing experience, making him a great figure to have in the dressing room.”