ESSEX have appointed Tom Westley as their new vice-captain, and awarded the star batsman with a new two-year deal to match.

Westley, who is a key member of the team in both first-class and limited overs cricket, will assist club captain Ryan ten Doeschate and one-day skipper Ravi Bopara across all three formats of the game, following his performances in recent seasons.

The 26-year-old has played 99 first-class matches for Essex, as well as 45 List A and 34 Twenty20 matches. One of his most memorable performances last season came against the touring Australians, scoring a century, while he has also become a potent threat in the Essex bowling attack.

Westley, whose new contract will run until at least the end of the 2018 season, spent last winter training as part of the England Performance Programme, and has spent the off-season with the England Lions this year.

And he says he is delighted to have landed the role, and extended his deal at the club.

“I feel honoured,” he said. “It’s a big day. There have been a lot of positive changes made around the club over the last three or four months.

“I’ve got a good relationship with both Ryan and Ravi 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.

“Since October last year, there’s been lots of thing going on at the club and it’s been nice from a players’ perspective to see some of those changes take place. For me to commit to an extra two years’ was a bit of a no-brainer in the end as I can see the club moving in the right direction.

And Head Coach Chris Silverwood added that he feels Westley will be an ideal vice-captain.

“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.”