All-rounder Walter signs new Essex deal until 2028

Paul Walter has scored more than 5,000 runs and taken 110 wickets in his first-class career with Essex

Long-serving all-rounder Paul Walter has signed a new contract with Essex through to the end of the 2028 season.

The left-hander has sparkled as a converted opening bat this summer, scoring 495 runs in the County Championship at an average of nearly 62.

He has scored two hundreds and two half-centuries in five appearances so far.

Walter, 31, came through the club's academy and has plqayed 193 matches in all formats since his debut in 2016.

He has been part of six major trophy wins with Essex, including the County Championship title in 2017 and Championship/T20 Blast double in 2019.

"I'm delighted to sign this contract extension with Essex and hope that we can collectively go on to win more silverware together in the coming years," he said.

"As a Billericay boy, I've now been at the club for over a decade, and I love playing my cricket at Chelmsford."

Walter's previous deal was due to run out at the end of the current season but he will now stay for another three years.

"He is a core member of the squad, providing quality with both bat and ball in all formats and we hope he continues showcasing his skills in Essex colours for the years to come," director of cricket Chris Silverwood said.

"I am pleased he has agreed to commit his future to the club."