ESSEX have tied down big-hitting Ashar Zaidi on a new two year deal, after an explosive season with the bat.

Fans favourite Zaidi has put pen-to-paper on the deal which will see him remain at the club until the end of the 2018 season.

“Boom Boom”, as he has become known to all at The E.C.G, delivered some swashbuckling innings throughout the T20 Blast campaign including a stunning 59 from 24 balls at Lord's to help The Eagles qualify for the quarter-finals.

And all-rounder Zaidi was happy to sign for another two years with the club.

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

"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."

There was more good news on the player front yesterday as Adam Wheater has returned to the club on a one-month loan deal until the end of the season.

The wicket-keeper batsman has 105 first-class matches to his name so far with a career batting average of 38.25 and high score of 204 not out. He has also played 66 List A matches and 80 T20 games.

The 26-year-old, who is an Essex Academy and England U19 product, will rejoin the club where he started his professional career.

And Head Coach Chris Silverwood is pleased to see Wheater re-joining the club for the remainder of the season

“It is good to have one of our own coming back to the club,” he said.

"Adam has a proven record with the bat and gloves at Division One level so he will be a valuable asset to us as the season reaches its climax."

“I’m looking forward to joining up with the guys at Essex for the final few weeks of this year’s four-day competition,” added Wheater. “This is a good opportunity for me to continue to grow as a player.

“I’m grateful to Hampshire and Essex for allowing me the chance to do so.”