RAVI Bopara has committed his future to Essex after signing a one-year contract extension with the county champions.

The all-rounder will play his cricket at Chelmsford until the end of the 2018 season, having been a key performer in their last two title winning campaigns.

The 32-year-old has appeared in 161 first-class, 140 List A and 131 T20 matches in his 16 years as a professional with the club so far.

And he says he is looking to play an integral part in Essex’s title defence next year.

“I am very happy to sign for another year and had no hesitations at all," he said. "I have been with the club since I was 11-years-old and have loved every minute of it.

“The 2017 season was incredibly special and I believe we are in a good place to build on our Division One title. Hopefully we can continue to win trophies in the coming years and I believe personally I can continue to play a big part in that.”

And Essex Head Coach Anthony McGrath said he was thrilled to see the all-rounder sign for a further year.

“Ravi is still an integral part of what we are trying to achieve as a club moving forward," said the Yorkshireman, who was appointed as successor to Chris Silverwood last month.

“He is an Essex man and is an excellent person to have around the dressing room with his years of cricketing experience around the world.

“He also made contributions across all formats last year with both bat and ball, and we hope he can continue to do that moving forward into 2018.”