George Rhodes signs two-year contract with Worcestershire

Worcestershire all-rounder George Rhodes has signed a new two-year contract which ties him to the county until the end of the 2018 season.

The 22-year-old was in the last year of his current contract at New Road but has been rewarded with a fresh deal after making his senior breakthrough this season in white-ball cricket.

Rhodes, who captains the second XI, is the third generation of his family to play first-team cricket for a first-class county after his grandfather Billy and father Steve, Worcestershire's director of cricket.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to sign the contract and, not only that, we've got a very close dressing room and we are very friendly. The youngsters are all a very tight-knit group at Worcester.

"My main aim really would be to be a core player in the squad in white-ball cricket. I'd love to play Championship cricket. It's something I almost feel is suited for me best."

Worcestershire coach Matt Mason said: "It's been really great to see George develop nicely over the last couple of years, not only as a top-order player but as a spin bowler as well and we've also been very impressed with his leadership qualities."