JAMIE Porter claimed a career-best 7-41 and a match total of 11-98 as Essex relegated Worcestershire from County Championship Division One.

The T20 Blast winners were brought down to earth by Porter - whose first five wickets took him only 4.4 overs as his consistent line and length brought rewards.

Murali Vijay (85) again impressed with the bat, well supported by Tom Westley (55), as Essex closed on 252/5 in reply at stumps, a lead of 158.

Porter’s impressive display came shortly before the England Test call-up for this winter’s series against Sri Lanka, but the paceman was overlooked by selectors.

Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate added: “The bowling probably hasn’t been up to the levels the guys have set themselves recently, but Ports got it right from the first ball and made the most of some useful conditions.

“I don’t think Jamie would mind me say that he hasn’t bowled that well in the last couple of weeks but he was back to his best.

>Sam Cook has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the club until the conclusion of the 2020 season.

The 21-year-old signed his first professional contract in October of last year, and after another successful season with the ball, has put pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Cook featured regularly across all formats for Essex this season, taking an impressive 32 wickets in 24 matches in the process.

Cook is thrilled and said: “I’m over the moon to be signing an extension until 2020. Being a professional cricketer is what I’ve always wanted to do, so to extend my stay at such a brilliant Club is a dream come true.”

“It’s a really nice way to end what has been a good season for the team and hopefully that will continue long into the future.”