Essex opening bowler Sam Cook, has put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract with the Club.
Following his recent emergence onto the First-Team scene, Cook has committed his future to his home County and signed a two-year contract until 2019.
The 20-year-old made his Essex debut against Lancashire at Old Trafford in September and went on to take 18 wickets in four matches, including back-to-back five-wicket hauls against Hampshire and Yorkshire respectively.
Current Loughborough University student Cook, is struggling to get his head round the past month and said: “To be honest the last few weeks or so have been a bit of a blur but it has been absolutely incredible.
“Making my debut for Essex was something I always dreamed of and then to go on and be a part of winning the Division One title was something you can’t really put into words. I worked hard to get in that position, but the hard work doesn’t stop now and being rewarded with this contract has given me a hunger to make just as big an impact next season.
“For now, I will continue to train with Loughborough MCCU and finish my degree, but then my focus will fully be on impressing for Essex and following in the footsteps of the likes of Jamie Porter.”
Head Coach Chris Silverwood is thrilled for Cook and added: “Sam has shown just what can be achieved with the right attitude and a willingness to work hard. He waited patiently for his opportunity and certainly took it when he came into the side.
“The most important thing now is that he stays grounded and continues to work just as hard as he has done in his short career so far. If he does that, he certainly has the skills to be a huge asset for Essex for years to come.”
