JAMIE Porter admitted it was a ‘special’ feeling to finish Essex’s title-winning season as the County Championship’s leading wicket-taker.

A 376 run win over Yorkshire resulted in Essex being able to get their hands on the Division One title having gone the entire campaign unbeaten.

And Porter’s excellence with the ball was a major reason for Essex’s success.

The fast bowler claimed 75 wickets in his debut term in the County Championship’s top tier, and Porter was delighted with his record.

Porter said: “If there’s ever a season you want to be the County Championship’s top wicket-taker it is when the club wins something because it’s no use to me if we finish in mid-table or near the bottom.

“So to do it this season is pretty special.

“What we have achieved this season has finally sunk in.

“It was made even more special by finishing the season at home and winning 10 and drawing four from 14 games is going to take some beating.”

Porter, who has been shortlisted for the NatWest PCA Players’ Player and Young Player of the Year awards, has also committed his future to Essex by signing a new two-year deal.

And the 24-year-old’s impressive form over the course of the season led to a call-up to the England Lions squad.

Despite some suggestions that Porter could be an outsider for a place in the Ashes squad, Porter was not selected.

But Porter is determined to build on his 75 wickets and break into the England side ahead of the tour of New Zealand next year.

Porter added: “I won’t be going to the Ashes but if I can do well with the England Lions and potentially put my name in the hat for New Zealand then that would be a good start.”