Napier extends his contract

Graham Napier, Essex's allrounder, has signed a one-year contract extension with the county up to the end of the 2005 season. Napier, 24, has contributed hugely with both bat and ball for the county in recent times.

"I am very pleased to be involved with the club for another year. This gives me a chance to relax and concentrate on my cricket and to hopefully put in some match-winning performances," said Napier. "I'm an Essex boy through and through and this Club is going places, so I've no desire to move. This is where I've played all my cricket and I'd like to see my whole career played here."

Napier equalled the highest number of wickets taken by an Essex player in a one-day league campaign with 33 wickets in 2003, and his exploits last season earned him a place with the ECB Academy squad that toured Malaysia and India early in 2004.

"Graham has made great strides over the last couple of years, which has seen him become an integral member of the Essex side," said David East, Essex chief executive. "The extension of his contract is due recognition of his efforts and we hope to see him make further progress in the coming years."