Paul Walter signs two-year extension with Essex

The 28-year-old has made 124 appearances across the formats for Essex, scoring 2,631 runs and taking 51 wickets

Paul Walter has signed a two-year contract extension with Essex which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2025 season.

The 28-year-old, who made his debut for the club in June 2016, has made 124 appearances across the formats for Essex, scoring 2,631 runs and taking 51 wickets.

In 2022, he enjoyed his most prolific season in the T20 Blast, scoring 404 runs (three half-centuries) at a strike rate of 152.45.

His form earned him a stint with Manchester Originals in The Hundred, where he contributed 82 runs at a rate of 167.34 and 14 wickets to their run to the final.

Also enjoying success in first-class cricket, Walter scored his maiden red-ball century last season, posting 141 against Yorkshire in May, and finished up with 415 runs at 41.50 and one wicket from seven appearances.

^{Walter left his mark on both the T20 Blast and The Hundred in 2022 [Mike Hewitt/Getty Images]}

Commenting on committing his future to Essex, Walter said: "It's been a great season for me personally as I feel I've been able to contribute towards our success and continue progressing my game across multiple formats.

"The shoulder injury curtailed my season which was frustrating off the back of The Hundred but I'm now fully fit and looking forward to next year.

"It's always a proud moment to pull on the Essex shirt and share success on the field alongside a great set of players and I'm looking forward to more memorable experiences over the course of the next three years."

Head coach, Anthony McGrath, added: "After forcing his way into the starting XI after three games into the season, Paul went on to produce some important innings for us.

"Scoring his first century for the county was a big moment for him after coming close on a number of occasions and then he followed it up with another great T20 campaign.

"Paul is back at 100 per cent fitness for pre-season and I'm looking forward to seeing him hit the ground running for us in April."