Flower scored 3,457 runs in 67 Tests for Zimbabwe

Veteran batsman Grant Flower is hoping his man-of-the-match display in the Friends Provident Trophy final can earn him a new contract with Essex.

Flower struck 70 not out to steer his side to a five-wicket win over Kent but, at 37, the extension of his career depends on a fresh offer for 2009.

"I am not sure how much longer I will play for, it depends on whether I get a new contract," he said.

A specialist limited-overs deal could be the most likely outcome for Flower.

And winning the Friends Provident Trophy and winner's cheque of �43,000 should also increase the likelihood of Flower being retained by Essex.

The player himself is already looking beyond playing and intends to follow the career path of his older brother Andy, who is England's batting coach.

"I am getting onto the level four coaching course this winter, I am coming to the end of my career, so we will just see what happens," he said.

Losing skipper captain Rob Key - who admitted his side had "batted appallingly" - paid tribute to the bowling firepower of Robert Joseph, who has recently qualified to play for England despite his Antiguan upbringing.

The 26-year-old made a return of three for 40 to make things interesting, and all his victims were England internationals.

COUNTY CRICKET: DEBATE Flower made the difference with a splendid innings... Kentishman1957

"I know I am a Kent man pumping up my own team-mate but from what we saw out there I would challenge people to name a better young bowler who would have bowled better out there.

"Robert Joseph is rare because there are not many bowlers in domestic one-day cricket who are a threat in the middle overs of the game.

"He has extra pace, hits the pitch hard, he can swing it away a little bit and when he gets it right he bowls a good length."