Batty commits to Surrey

Jon Batty has filled a variety of batting roles for Surrey along with his keeping duties

Surrey wicketkeeper Jon Batty looks set to finish his career at the Brit Oval after signing a one-year contract extension to keep him at the county until the end of 2010.

The 34-year-old joined Surrey in 1997 and has played 380 matches, taking 759 dismissals and scoring 10,758 runs - including 19 centuries.

He has been the first-choice wicketkeeper since 2004 and was awarded a benefit this season.

Batty has scored more than 900 runs in five out of the last six seasons, contributing 12 first-class hundreds from various positions in the batting order.

Batty, who has captained the side - including a full season in 2004, said: “I am delighted to have committed to Surrey until the end of 2010.

“I’ve had an amazing 12 years at the club and was very keen to extend my current contract beyond this year’s benefit season.

“I still believe I’ve got an awful lot of cricket left in me and have a huge amount of desire to help turn the fortunes of the club around over the coming years.”

Batty enjoys a number of off-field responsibilities, including working regularly as a coach and mentor with members of the Pemberton Greenish Surrey Academy.

He was the county’s inaugural community ambassador, working closely with popular schemes such as Playing for Success and the ‘ECHO’ Project, which Surrey run in conjunction with Fulham FC.

Professional cricket manager Chris Adams said: “Jonathan Batty is a model professional and I am very pleased he has pledged his immediate future to Surrey.

“At a time when we are working closely with the next generation of Surrey players, to be able to call on Jonathan’s experience and endlessly positive attitude is a valuable asset to have in the locker.

“In the modern game, it is key that the wicket keeper provides a safe pair of hands behind the stumps and contributes runs with the bat.

“Jonathan has done this ever since he came into the side and I am confident in his ability to deliver for years to come.”