Russell sets standards against which other keepers are measured

The new deal will see the 40-year-old through to the end of the 2005 season.

"Jack is still the best in the business and deserves another year," Gloucestershire player-coach Mark Alleyne commented.

Russell made his Gloucestershire debut at the age of 17 in 1981 and has taken more than 1,600 catches and completed 226 stumpings in his career.

Russell runs rule over young talent

He played 54 Tests and 40 one-day internationals between 1987 and 1998, but lost his England place because of Alec Stewart's superiority with the bat.

"I've been happy with pre-season and the set-up is really enjoyable and I really don't want to leave them yet," Russell told BBC Radio Bristol.

"It's getting harder physically and it takes a few days longer to recover from matches but I've been working really hard on my fitness."