Westfield commits to Essex

Mervyn Westfield, the 20-year-old fast bowler, has extended his contract with Essex until 2010.

"Meryvn is a promising young cricketer. His strong performances in the second XI in 2008 have led to us offering him an extension to his contract," said Paul Grayson, the Essex coach. "We can see the potential there and Meryvn now has to stake his claim with the first XI."

Westfield made his first-class debut in 2005 and has a top-score of 32. He represented England Under-19s in the Malaysia tri-series in February, 2007, starring with 54 against the hosts.