Chambers stays on

Maurice Chambers will remain at the County Ground until the end of 2009 © Getty Images

Fast bowler Maurice Chambers has committed his future to Essex by signing a one-year contract extension.

The 20-year-old’s current deal was due to expire in 2008, but he has put pen to paper on a new agreement keeping him at Chelmsford until the end of the 2009 season.

A stress fracture of the back prevented Chambers from featuring in the Essex first team this year, but he is highly regarded by the coaching staff at the County Ground.

Essex chief executive David East said: “Maurice has had a frustrating season but we are sure that he is a player of great promise and talent.

“We fully expect him to be making a challenge for a regular first-team place in 2008 and, with his abilities, higher honours are a genuine possibility in the next year or so.”

Chambers will be a part of the ECB’s fast-bowling skills set at the National Cricket Centre in Loughborough this winter for the second year running.

He added: “Last season was really frustrating for me because of my injury but I’m already looking forward to next season.

“It’s going to be a crucial year for me because I will need to perform at my best.

“When I start the skills set at Loughborough on Monday (October 22) I will be taking it gently but hope to be bowling flat out again by the time of Essex’s pre-season tour to Dubai in March.

“By the end of this new contract I aim to have done enough to be considered for the England A team and also to get my county cap.”