SPINNER Simon Harmer says he is hungry for more success at Essex County Cricket Club after signing a contract extension with the club.

The spinner, who joined the club in 2017, has penned a four-year contract that will see him remain at Chelmsford until at the least the end of the 2026 season.

Harmer told the Essex website: “The club gave me an opportunity in 2017 for which I will always be grateful.

“Everyone associated with the club have always made me and my family feel welcome since arriving.

"I’m proud to have committed my future and looking forward to continue making Essex my home for the next five years.

“The progress this team has made under Anthony McGrath is a major factor to signing and I believe the Members and supporters should be excited about what’s to come from this talented group of players.

“I’m determined to continue developing my game across all formats and look forward to contributing to further success, both on and off the field, over the next five years.”

Harmer, 32, has had another stellar season taking 90 wickets for Essex across all formats, which included two ten-wicket hauls in the LV= Insurance County Championship.

These figures culminated in Harmer picking up the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP for a third successive season after his all-round performances with bat and ball.

Essex head coach Anthony McGrath said: “Harmy has been an important part of our success in recent years and I’m delighted he’s committed his long-term future to Essex.

“He’s an important leader for us on and off the field and this is a real signal of intent from both him and the club.

“The talent we have within this team is incredible and his match-winning skills will be instrumental for our plans to achieve further success in the future.”

Essex chief executive John Stephenson added: “Simon is fundamental to our plans moving forward and it’s a huge boost for the squad going into the new season.

“We are looking to build a squad that is capable of competing across all formats next season and having Simon alongside the likes of Tom, Alastair and new recruit, Matt Critchley, will make us formidable opponents in white and red-ball cricket.

“He has made a considerable impact on county cricket and I’m delighted that Members and supporters are going to be able to enjoy watching Simon Harmer in an Essex shirt over the course of the next five seasons.”