Essex extend Mickleburgh contract

Mickleburgh's 2009 season was cut short by injury

Essex batsman Jaik Mickleburgh has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the county until 2012.

The 19-year-old right-hander has been with the club since 2006 and made his first-class debut for the side against Leicestershire two years later.

In nine first-class games he has scored 435 runs at an average of 27.18 with a highest score of 72.

Mickleburgh will be part of the England performance squad that heads to South Africa in January.

Essex coach Paul Grayson told the club's website: "He is a talented young batsman and one of the best prospects in the country.

"A knee injury that he sustained midway through the season set him back a bit but he has a lot to offer this county."