RONNIE Irani revealed today he will "not hang around and take the money from Essex" if he is not fit enough to play.

The charismatic Essex captain has been offered a new two-year contract by the county, but will not sign it until he can guarantee his fitness.

Irani, 35, has begun the season in spectacular style in the LV County Championship, scoring 144 against Derbyshire before plundering a new career best 218 in last week's innings win over Glamorgan.

However, the skipper was unable to field against the Welsh side due to sore knees, and Irani is anxious that he does not become a passenger in his own team.

Speaking exclusively to the Echo, Irani said: "There is a new contract waiting on the table for me.

"But if things are not going well for me on the fitness front, I'm not prepared to hang around and take the mickey by drawing my money while sitting in the pavilion with my feet up."

The captain said he felt a sense of loyalty the county he adopted in 1994, and is hoping to play until the end of the 2008 season at least.

"I know a lot of players on the county circuit would be only too ready to do that," said the former England all-rounder, who was forced to give up bowling in 2003 due to persistent hip and knee injuries.

"But Essex have been very good to me since I came down from Lancashire 13 years ago, and I want to continue performing well for the county as long as I'm fit and well enough.

"I still have a family to feed and bills to pay and ideally I'd like to play on for another two years at least."

Despite the injuries, Irani is feeling good about his batting, adding: "I feel as though I'm enjoying the best batting form of my life.

"I love the game, but it's hurting at times so I'm biting the bullet, especially when we're fielding.

"But I want to be able to walk into the ground with my head held high with both the club and the fans saying - Ronnie Irani always gives his all."

>THE Echo has teamed up with Essex County Cricket Club to give away ten pairs of tickets for next Monday's 20Twenty showdown with Southend United.

The match, which will be played at Roots Hall, will see the Blues take on Essex at their own game.

The Southend United XI will be captained by manager Steve Tilson, while the Essex team will be led by Ronnie Irani.

Play will start at 2.30pm, while the event will also feature special guestcommentators, a raffle and competitions.

So, to win yourself a pair of tickets, email your name, address, telephone number and answer to the following question (with Cricket Comp in the subject field), to sports.echo@nqe.com before 12noon on Friday, May 4.

Which Leeds-born sportsman played first-class cricket for Essex and league football for Southend United.

a. Freddy Eastwood b. Gordon Barker c. Ravinder Bopara Winners will be notified over the weekend.

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