Swann commits to Notts

Graeme Swann

Nottinghamshire have secured the services of England spinner Graeme Swann until the end of 2010, after he signed a new three-year contract.

The 28-year-old has been an integral part of the team since he moved to Trent Bridge in 2005 from Northamptonshire and Notts director of cricket Mick Newell believes he is now at the peak of his career.

Newell said: “I’m pleased to tie him up for a long period. He’s been excellent for us ever since he joined and is probably bowling the best he has in his career.

“He’s one of our key players in all forms of the game with his bowling, batting and fielding and is a central character in the dressing room.

“Hopefully he has got a big future with England and is a central part of our plans for years to come.”

Swann has taken more than 100 first-class wickets for Notts in his three seasons and he earned a recall to the England side to tour Sri Lanka this winter, and his performances were key to the 3-2 one-day series win.

Swann signed his new contract before heading to New Zealand as part of the squad for the Test and one-day international series.

He said: “I’m delighted to be staying on. I’ve felt at home in the Notts dressing room ever since I arrived and with the talent we have, we can win more silverware.

“To lift the championship trophy in my first season was terrific but I also want more successes and believe that we are a team capable of challenging on all fronts.”