ross whiteley has given worcestershire a massive boost ahead of the rapids home vitality blast quarter-final with gloucestershire on saturday by signing a new long term contract.
the all-rounder has put pen to paper on a three year deal which will extend his spell at New Road until at least the end of the 2021 campaign.
whiteley, who had just over 12 months remaining of his current four year contract, has become one of the most potent and destructive hitters in white ball cricket.
his services have been in demand around the world and he spent last winter playing t20 cricket in the bangladesh premier leaguer and pakistan super league.
it followed on from the 29-year-old last summer becoming the first english player ever to hit six sixes in an over against yorkshire’s karl carver in the blast.
he is just seven sixes short of reaching the 100 mark for worcestershire in t20 cricket.
whiteley is hoping his best years are ahead of him with the rapids but he is also determined to make his mark in red ball cricket.
he said: “i’m very excited to commit my future to worcestershire, i’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and i look forward to now continuing my career here for the next three years.
“it’s a great time to be a part of this club with the exciting group of talent we have coming through.
“we have shown our dominance of white ball cricket this year by finishing top of both competition’s group stages and have a fantastic opportunity to reach finals day for the first time in t20 in the club’s history.
“we are moving in the right direction as a club both on and off the field and i feel it was a no brainer in signing this contract.
“i still believe my best years are still to come and i look forward to contributing to success for this club over the next three years in all formats.”
worcestershire head coach kevin sharp said: “ross is one of our key players and to secure his services for another three years is excellent news.
“we all know how destructive ross can be, he is maturing as a player and has got many more years left in him.
“we’ve got some outstanding players and lads young in age who are coming to the party and performing.
“as long as we keep the majority of the group together, then it will be good news for the club.”
