Walker believes the nucleus of the Essex side is strong enough

Essex batsman Matt Walker believes the squad is strong enough for First Division cricket next season.

The county will compete in the top flight of the County Championship for the first time since 2003.

"We've got a good squad and if we can add to it over the winter, then it's looking really positive for next year," Walker told BBC Essex.

"Obviously you don't want to alter it too much, because the core is pretty strong here as it is."

He added: "I think everyone is really excited, but a bit weary as you can imagine after what's happened in the last few days.

"But already people have said: 'We can't wait for next year.'"

Walker has had a solid first season with Essex, following his switch from Kent last autumn, averaging 34 and hitting two centuries in the County Championship.

The 35-year-old said his first year had been thoroughly enjoyable.

"It's been a fantastic move for me - I've loved every minute and I couldn't think of any moment when I've wanted to be anywhere else," he said.

"When we sat down at the start of the season we probably would have liked to have done better in one-day cricket to be honest.

"But one of the things we did target was promotion in the Championship and we achieved that - and that was probably the toughest ask."

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