Flower hit 193 runs in six Pro40 matches this season

Grant Flower has signed a one-year contract extension with Essex to keep him at the club for the 2009 season.

The 37-year-old Zimbabwean all-rounder was instrumental in the county's one-day success this season, averaging 64 in their triumphant Pro40 campaign.

Flower joined Essex in 2005 following his retirement from Test cricket.

"Halfway through the season I thought that would probably be it but I'm very happy to be staying at Essex," he told the club's website.

"There is a good spirit and winning culture at Essex and I don't see why we can't get better."