Shreck extends Notts deal

Charlie Shreck induces a nick from Anthony McGrath in the clash with Yorkshire

Fast bowler Charlie Shreck has signed a two-year extension to his Nottinghamshire contract.

The deal will keep the giant Cornishman at Trent Bridge until the end of the 2010 season.

In his five years on the Nottinghamsire books, Shreck has taken 178 first-class wickets and been a mainstay of the county’s attack.

The 30-year-old has already taken 16 wickets as Nottinghamshire set the early pace in LV County Championship Division One this season.

He is likely to lead the attack along with Darren Pattinson, as Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad are expected to be with England for much of the summer.

“I was very keen to extend my contract and there is nowhere else that I would rather play than Trent Bridge,” said Shreck.

“Looking around on a match day, it’s clear to see that the club is taking massive steps forwards with the ground developments and the playing squad and management are first class.”

Shreck, who was called up to the England Lions squad over the winter, is also targeting an international call-up.

“Ryan Sidebottom had three consecutive 50-wicket seasons at Notts before he got back into the England side and the key for me is to stay fit and take wickets consistently.”

Shreck grew up in Truro, and played Minor Counties cricket for Cornwall for five years before attracting Nottinghamshire's attentions.

He joined the Nottinghamshire staff in 2003, after impressing for the second XI and taking 5-35 against Worcestershire in a Norwich Union game late in 2002.

The fast bowler missed the 2005 campaign with a stress fracture of his back, but used the time off to recover and play for Wellington in New Zealand, with whom he also had an impressive spell last winter.

In 2006 he took 50 wickets for the first time, including two ten-wicket hauls and a hat-trick against Middlesex at Lord’s.

“Charlie has been the mainstay of our bowling attack for five years and I am delighted that he has chosen to commit his future to the club,” said Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell.

“I know that his inclusion in the England squad has been discussed very seriously and the opportunity may come his way but his priority is to do well for Notts.

“Charlie has performed well for England Lions and he can play his way into contention for the national side.

“His contract was due to expire at the end of the season but both parties were keen to agree a new deal as early as possible and I am pleased that it has been concluded.”

Nottinghamshire take on Sussex at Trent Bridge from Tuesday, looking to extend their early lead in the championship.