Five sign new Leicestershire deals

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Opener Michael Thornely and four other Leicestershire players have put pen to paper on new contracts at Grace Road.

Thornely, 24, has shone during his time with the LV= County Championship Division Two side since arriving from the Unicorns, posting a career-best 131 against Essex earlier this summer, and has been rewarded with a two-year deal.

Rob Taylor and James Sykes have also pledged their futures to Leicestershire until the end of 2014, while Angus Robson and Ollie Freckingham have joined the club's staff on one-year contracts.

Left-arm spinner James Sykes has signed a new two-year contract at Leicestershire, with four other players also agreeing new deals

Leicestershire chief executive Mike Siddall praised Thornely for quickly establishing himself at the top of the order having scored 465 runs in 10 first-class innings.

Thornely also caught the eye with a match-winning 86 against the Netherlands in the Clydesdale Bank 40, during which he smashed 30 runs from a single over.

“We are delighted that Michael has signed a two-year contract,” said Siddall. “He has settled in well at Grace Road and has already made an excellent contribution to the team.”

All-rounder Taylor was one of the shining lights in Leicestershire’s disappointing defence of their Friends Life t20 title, claiming seven scalps in 23 overs, while he was also the team’s leading wicket-taker in the CB40.

Left-arm spinner Sykes has impressed with his performances for the second XI and in tour games against West Indies and Australia.

Along with Sykes, Robson, brother of Middlesex opener Sam, and Freckingham will now hope to force their way into the first-team picture.

Siddall added: “We are delighted that Rob, James, Angus and Ollie have all signed new contracts with the club.

“They are all exciting young cricketers and we look forward to watching them develop at Grace Road.”