ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook has signed a new two-year contract at Essex. 

Cook has played 79 First-Class matches since making his debut in 2003 and has been an instrumental part of the team during the start of the 2016 season.

Cook played in Essex’s first four matches against Gloucestershire, Sussex, Northamptonshire and Worcestershire, hitting a total of 523 runs.

The 31-year-old has hit three centuries in 2016 and is in fine form ahead of the Sri Lanka series, which begins later this month.

And head coach Chris Silverwood is delighted Cook has agreed to stay at the County Ground.

“To have some of Alastair’s qualities in the squad for the opening matches of the season has been a real boost," said Silverwood.

“He was with us throughout pre-season and it has been great to have him around the club, especially the experience he passes on to younger members of the squad during training on a day-to-day basis.

“We know that his England commitments take up a vast amount of the season but when available he has shown how he can further strengthen our batting line up and it’s great he will be with the Club for another two years.”

And Cook was also pleased to sign a new contract with the club.

“It’s great to sign with Essex for another couple of years and I believe there are exciting times ahead for the club under the new head coach," said Cook.

“I’ve been at Essex for all of my career, since making my debut in 2003 and I hope to continue playing here for as long as possible.”