Essex wicketkeeper Adam Wheater has extended his contract until the end of the 2012 season. The 19 year-old, who made his county debut in 2008, is understudy to James Foster and also represented England under-19s last season. On signing his new deal, Whea

Essex wicketkeeper Adam Wheater has extended his contract until the end of the 2012 season.

The 19 year-old, who made his county debut in 2008, is understudy to James Foster and also represented England under-19s last season.

On signing his new deal, Wheater said: "I am delighted to have extended my contract with Essex.

"It is a place I can see myself playing cricket.

"I know I have a long way to go to earn a regular place in the team, but I am very much looking forward to the challenge.

"I had a taster of what it is like to be in the first XI in 2009 and this has shown me that this is what I want to work towards."

Paul Grayson, Essex first team coach, added: "Adam is a talented young cricketer.

"There are a number of exciting new young players coming through the system that have committed to the club long-term, and that is a very positive sign.

"Adam knows he obviously has a lot of work to do to remove the wicket keeper gloves from James Foster, but he is learning and improving all the time and he will become a first-class cricketer.