Wicketkeeper-batsman Craig Kieswetter has signed a new three-year contract at Somerset.
The 26-year-old, who made his Somerset debut as a teenager in 2007, will have racked up a decade of service at Taunton by the end of his new deal.
“I am absolutely over the moon for this opportunity to be able to commit myself further to SCCC.
“From the very beginning of my career the club has helped and guided me to achieve levels of performance I am proud of.
“Throughout every corner of the county there are people passionate about the club, and so to be able to be part of something that has such a loyal following it's extremely humbling.”
Kieswetter was confirmed as Somerset’s first-choice keeper following the departure of Jos Buttler for Lancashire at the end of last season.
He has has scored almost 5,000 first-class run for Somerset, including eight centuries, and has 305 dismissals.
At international level he has made 71 limited-overs appearances for England and was a part of 2010 World Twenty20-winning side, although more recently he has seen Buttler preferred in the short formats.
“I have had plenty of ups and downs throughout my professional and international career, but there is always one factor that remains a complete positive for me - and that is being part of this club,” Kieswetter added.
What do you all think?! Vibey... @mandhcricket#CK22pic.twitter.com/MgsfCpcQ4v
— Craig Kieswetter (@kiesy_22) July 1, 2014
“I love playing for Somerset. It's my home and I am so excited about the next three years. I believe there is a lot exciting talent coming through and I'm looking forward to helping develop the personnel and the club to even higher success. We are Somerset.”
Somerset director of cricket Dave Nosworthy added: “With the amount of ability and the track record that Craig has, any team would be delighted to have signed him - and so naturally so are we.
“Craig is one of the more naturally talented players around who has the ability to turn a game on its head, both with bat in hand and with the gloves.
“He is a natural striker of the ball who in my mind still has much more ability which we have not yet even seen. He is a quality wicketkeeper with added agility, and is also a member of the team who shows some leadership traits.
Nosworthy added: “The new deal is good news for the club and I am sure that like us he will be very pleased to be able to continue his prolific career here at the County Ground."