Tom Westley signs new contract with Essex and becomes vice-captain

Essex all-rounder Tom Westley has signed a two-year contract extension which ties him to the county until at least the end of the 2018 season.

The 26-year-old has also been named vice-captain across all three formats of the game after agreeing his new deal.

Westley made his debut for Essex at the start of the 2007 season and has gone on to play 99 first-class matches, 45 List A games and 34 Twenty20 fixtures.

He was named Player of the Year in 2014 after he scored consistent runs across all three formats and his highlight of last season was a century against the touring Australians.

Westley's right-arm off-breaks also offer a frontline bowling option and he was part of the England Performance Programme batting and spin bowling camp in 2014, along with a stint with the England Lions this winter.

Essex head coach Chris Silverwood believes Westley will be an ideal vice-captain for both Ryan ten Doeschate and Ravi Bopara.

He said: "Tom has been exceptional for us over the past few seasons, and it seems the logical next step in his progression to take on the role of vice-captain.

"We are delighted he has signed his new contract. He has an excellent cricket brain, and I believe he will enjoy the added responsibility of working with Ryan and Ravi in order to move our cricket forward.

"Tom Westley will be an important part of the future of Essex CCC."

Westley said: "I feel honoured. It's a big day. There's been a lot of positive changes being made around the club over the last three or four months.

"Working with Ryan and Ravi, I've got a good relationship with both of them, and have played with them both for a number of years now.

"If they need help or support, or some suggestions, then I think that is my role. Also, I think I can be a bit of a go-between for the captains and the rest of the players."