ESSEX have handed all-rounder Ashar Zaidi a new two-year deal.

The 35-year-old, who joined Essex in January following his release from Sussex, will remain at Chelmsford until the end of the 2018 campaign.

Zaidi said: "I am delighted the club have shown trust in me and given me further opportunities to show my capabilities.

"There is a great bunch of people throughout the club working hard to deliver success. Hopefully we can continue to be in contention for silverware throughout my time with the club."