Mark Pettini has continued his long association with his sole county by signing a new one-year contract, which will keep him at Essex until the end of the 2015 season.
The 31-year-old has been a loyal servant to the club since making his debut in 2001.
He was made captain at the age of 23 and oversaw a sustained period of success, including leading the team to the Friends Provident Trophy in 2008 and promotion in the County Championship during 2009.
He stepped down in 2010 to concentrate on his batting and in recent years he has become a limited-overs specialist, opening the batting in both List A and Twenty20 cricket.
Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: “Mark is a key one-day player for us, so it was important to sign him up for another season.
“His role is to get us off to a flying start with his aggressive approach, and this season he did this well.
“With our ambition to win a one-day competition next year, Mark will be an invaluable asset.
“He is also available for our championship campaign, and his experience will prove useful for some of the younger players.”
Pettini said: “I am very happy to have signed an extension to my contract with Essex.
“I’ve been with the club for my entire career, and I am already excited about next season and hopefully helping us win some silverware.”