Kieswetter extends Somerset deal

Want to know which players have gone where? Click here for all the comings and goings on the domestic scene

England limited-overs international Craig Kieswetter has committed his future to Somerset by signing a two-year contract extension

Craig Kieswetter has extended his contract at Somerset, tying him to the county until the end of 2014.

The 24-year-old South Africa-born wicketkeeper-batsman, who had a year to run on his deal, has prolonged his stay at Taunton by a further two years.

Kieswetter, a world T20 winner with England, said: “I am delighted to extend my time at Somerset where I have been since I was 17 years old.

“To have come over and be associated with Somerset with the way that they are developing and continually challenging for everything on the county circuit is something that I am proud of.

"I hold the club very dear to my heart and I want to be part of the success in the future so I am delighted and very humbled to extend my stay at the County Ground.”

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose added: “He is showing his faith in Somerset CCC which is a great thing for us at his age, and it gives him another three years and great opportunity to further his England career.”

The England limited-overs international has resisted the lure of the Indian and Bangladesh Premier Leagues, meaning he will be at captain Marcus Trescothick’s disposal for the start of the 2012 campaign.

Kieswetter, who has played 28 one-day and 14 Twenty20 internationals for England, explained: “I have declined the opportunity to go and play in the Bangladesh Premier League and also the IPL, because I feel that the start of the season is a really critical time for Somerset as a club and for me as well.

“I have done quite a lot of travelling over these last few years and welcome the opportunity to spend a bit more time at home training and then to go out and put in some performances for Somerset early on in the season, to help the club to get results and also further my own international endeavours.”

Rose added: “I think it is a very intelligent decision not to go to the IPL and it obviously reinforces our side in April and May, which is a critical period for us.”

Want to know what's happening at your county? Interested in how your rivals are faring? Look no further than ecb.co.uk's county-by-county page