ESSEX have bolstered their squad ahead of next season by securing of three upcoming talents.

Michael Pepper, Shane Snater and Rishi Patel have all penned deals for breakthrough seasons.

Wicketkeeper Pepper will remain at the club until the end of the 2020 campaign. The 20-year-old signed a contract in April and featured in the Vitality Blast campaign and County Championship.

And Patel has also penned a two year deal, following a prolific season for the second XI , recently equalling Darren Robinson’s record of five centuries in a second XI Championship season.

He said: “I’m really excited to sign for the side that I have been involved with since I was seven.”

Snater will remain with the club until the conclusion of the 2019 season, having featured three times for the Eagles in the Royal London One-Day Cup this year, taking five wickets at an average of 26.80.