Warwickshire captain Patel signs new contract

NEW Warwickshire captain Jeetan Patel has signed a new contract with the Bears until the end of the 2019 season.

Fast bowlers Oliver Hannon-Dalby and Ryan Sidebottom and all-rounder Alex Thomson have also signed additional one-year deals.

Patel was appointed club captain during the close season and has won all three domestic trophies with the Bears and has twice been named as the PCA’s County Most Valuable Player.

He has recently returned to Edgbaston from his native Wellington, New Zealand, ready to start his seventh consecutive season for Warwickshire, having taken 353 first class, 102 List A and 113 T20 wickets for the club to date.

Ashley Giles, sport director at Warwickshire, said: “Jeets has been one of the best overseas players that we’ve seen in the county game and, having recently been appointed captain, we want to ensure that we have his future secured for the next two seasons.

“He has shown outstanding leadership qualities since joining the club, setting a great example on and off the field whilst also helping the young players with their development.

"We think he will make an excellent captain and look forward to seeing him back on the field in the Bear & Ragged Staff later this week.”