Reliable limited-overs spinner Tim Phillips has signed a new one-year contract with the Essex.
The 32-year-old left-armer, who has List A and Twenty20 bowling averages of under 25 although a first-class equivalent in excess of 46, has been with his sole county for 14 years, making his debut in 1999.
Phillips, a handy left-handed batsman, made 25 appearances for Essex during the 2013 season when he was predominantly used in the Yorkshire Bank 40 and Friends Life t20.
He will likely have to fight harder than before for first-team opportunities this year due to the signing of England spinner Monty Panesar, although Panesar may miss some county games through international duty.
Phillips said: “I am very pleased to have signed a new contract with the club for a further year. I’m looking ahead to next year and having a good pre-season, which I can take into the new campaign.”
Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: “We are pleased that Tim has signed a new contract with the club and he has shown the last few seasons how important he is in one-day cricket for us and, as our specialist spin bowler, I hope he continues this form going in to the 2014 season.”