Swann pens new Notts deal

Graeme Swann has put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at Trent Bridge until the end of the 2012 season

England off-spinner Graeme Swann has committed his future to Nottinghamshire by signing a new two-year contract.

The 31-year, who holds an ECB central contract, has agreed an extended deal that will keep him at Trent Bridge until the end of the 2012 season.

He has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining Notts from Northamptonshire in 2005, forcing his way back into the England team and becoming such an integral player that he was named their player of the year in May.

“Six years ago I felt that Graeme was the best one-day bowler in the country but he wasn’t fulfilling his potential,” said Notts director of cricket Mick Newell.

“It was clear that he always had the talent and now he’s applied it and surpassed my expectations with his achievements over the past two years.”

Swann has played just seven competitive games for Notts in the last two seasons, most recently at Friends Provident t20 finals day on Saturday.

Newell added: “I fully expect him to remain centrally contracted by England during the term of this new deal, but he is a player that every county would want on their books and I’m sure he’ll continue to make positive contributions for us whenever he’s available.

“Our dressing room is a better place for having him around and I’m pleased that he sees his future at Trent Bridge.”

Nottinghamshire have also confirmed they are hoping to sign a replacement overseas player for David Hussey for the end-of-season run-in.

The prolific Australian batsman signed off by helping Notts to an innings-and-55-run win over Warwickshire inside two days yesterday, which extended their lead at the top of the LV= County Championship to 24 points.

Hussey will depart this week to join up with Victoria ahead of the Champions League in South Africa, but Nottinghamshire hope to have recruited cover in time for the Clydesdale Bank 40 clash with Leicestershire on August 29.

“I’ve had a great time here and I’ll definitely be back at some point in the future,” said Hussey, who scored 399 championship runs at an average of 73.40.