PAUL Walter says everyone at Essex is determined to show that last season’s County Championship triumph was not a fluke ahead of the 2018 campaign.

Walter, from Basildon, was a regular for Essex in the shorter forms of the game last season but failed to hold down a place in red ball cricket.

But the 23-year-old is pleased with the progress he is making.

A busy winter saw him named in the ECB Winter Pace Programme, where he travelled to South Africa, before being chosen for the North-South Series in Barbados.

Walter then competed against the MCC in Champion County match and, despite losing that match, Walter feels he has made significant strides in the last two years.

“It has been a good two years,” said Walter, who is registered to play for Billericay Cricket Club this season. “We have won back to back titles and it has been pretty surreal and I want to make a big impact this season.

“We are ready for the season now and we want to show it wasn’t a fluke.

“I feel strong and fit and I am looking forward to making further strides. I went on the Pace Programme, took part in the North-South series and played the MCC so I just want to get stuck in now.

“It was all good experience and I got to play alongside different players on the Pace Programme. I learned a lot.”

Walter was watched by a number of England selectors while on tour, with director of England cricket Andrew Strauss in the audience.

And he said he was pleased to play a part, as he looks towards this campaign.

“It is nice to know you’re in people’s thinking,” he said. “It may not be for the immediate future but it is nice to be around these guys.

“I am a better cricketer now and want to keep learning.”