Graham Napier extends Essex contract

Essex allrounder Graham Napier will play for the county until 2009 after agreeing to a new two-year contract.

Napier, who scored his maiden Championship century with 125 from 101 balls against Nottinghamshire, overcame a string of injuries and secured a place in the team.

"The previous couple of years have been hard sitting on the sidelines but so far this season, without tempting fate, everything has been going well with no fitness worries," Napier told essexcricket.org.uk. "As a result my form is also starting to show through as well."

"I am looking forward to progressing my career during this new era at Essex with a new captain and coach," he said. "Over the course of my next contract I want Essex to get back to where we have been in previous seasons."