County Championship: All-rounder Will Smith signs contract extension at Hampshire

All-rounder Will Smith has signed a new two-year contract extension which will keep him with Hampshire until the end of the 2017 season.

The 31-year-old has been a revelation with the ball this season, taking an impressive 20 wickets in Hampshire's NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

These included the off-spinner's career-best figures of 3-15 against Lancashire in the competition's Finals Day at Edgbaston.

He also hit his first century for Hampshire during a record-breaking third-wicket stand with James Vince against Essex at the Ageas Bowl in June.

Smith joined Hampshire from Durham at the end of the 2013 season but his contract was due to expire at the end of the 2015 campaign.

I’m over the moon to have extended my stay. The club have been fantastic throughout this first year, and I still feel I’ve got a few good years left in me.

“Things have gone pretty much according to plan since my move here," he said.

Fantastic

"I feel I’ve achieved how I wanted to contribute in four-day cricket this year and contributing in T20 and One-Day cricket was something I was unsure of before I moved but I’m delighted with how it’s gone and I’m excited for the next few years.

“I’m over the moon to have extended my stay. The club have been fantastic throughout this first year, and I still feel I’ve got a few good years left in me.”

Smith made an instant impact at the club, quickly becoming a key figure in the middle order for Hampshire in the LV= County Championship, averaging just under 50 with the bat this season.  

His off-spin has also played an important role and he often opened the bowling for Hampshire in the T20 Blast campaign.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: “Will has fitted in extremely well. He has made significant contributions on the pitch and has been an excellent team man off it.

"We are delighted to have him at the club and see him as a big part of the future.”