Matt Critchley: Essex all-rounder signs contract until 2027

All-rounder Matt Critchley will be looking to add to his 1,400 first-class runs for Essex when their season begins in April

All-rounder Matt Critchley has signed a contract extension to stay at Essex until the end of the 2027 season.

He joined from Derbyshire before the 2022 season, and has played 54 games for Essex in all formats, scoring 2,000 runs and taking 80 wickets.

The 27-year-old was the club's player of the year in 2023.

"I've felt like I've constantly been improving since I've been here, which was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay," he told the club website.

Critchley hit 132 on debut against Kent at Chelmsford in the County Championship in April 2022 and has added two more first-class centuries since.

He also took a career-best 5-28 with his leg-breaks in the T20 Blast against Middlesex last year before they lost to Somerset in the final.

Essex will be looking for Critchley to continue his good form with the bat with Sir Alastair Cook retiring and Dan Lawrence moving to Surrey.

"I've enjoyed my first couple of years here and I very much wanted to stay," Critchley added.

"Obviously, we've had a couple of changes to the team this winter, but we've made some good additions, so I'm very much looking forward to this year and the next few years."

Head coach Anthony McGrath added: "His value to the team is huge, and that was on full display with his player of the year-winning performances last year.

"He's been working especially hard on his batting recently, and that has brought a lot of positive results. He's great to work with, and we're looking forward to having him around for a long time yet."