Opener Will Jefferson signs new Leicestershire contract

Jefferson joined from Nottinghamshire in October 2009

Leicestershire batsman Will Jefferson has signed a two-year deal which keeps him at Grace Road until summer 2012.

Jefferson hit 722 runs in 20 innings at an average of 38 and was a key figure before an Achilles injury.

The opener, 31, is the second batsmen to sign a new deal as Jacques du Toit has also agreed a two-year contract.

Jefferson told the club website: "I am delighted to have a spring in my step again. I thoroughly enjoyed the cricket I played in 2010."

Jefferson, who joined from Nottinghamshire before the start of last season, added: "I fully believe that, after riding one of the most difficult periods in the club's history, the squad, thanks largely to Matthew's Hoggard's leadership and full belief in his players, have become a stronger group.

"Despite the injury that plagued the second half of my season, I fully believe I am about to embark on the most exciting, enjoyable and productive years of my career.

There are exciting times ahead at Grace Road. Everyone is looking forward to kicking on in 2011 and we are aiming to win some silverware

Jacques du Toit

"I look forward to being at the forefront of the club's future success, while mounting a claim to achieve my burning ambition of higher honours again."

New chief executive Mike Siddall added: "Will played an important part at the club last season until the injury ended his campaign early.

"When fully fit he proved an exciting batsman and we look forward to him scoring many runs for the county over the next two seasons."

Du Toit added: "I'm already looking forward to the 2011 season.

"I enjoyed last season as we had an amazing team spirit in the dressing room under a great leader in Matthew Hoggard.

"We have a nice balance to the squad. There are good experienced players with the likes of Hoggy, Paul Nixon, Claude Henderson and Andrew McDonald and they go nicely with the exciting young talent we have.

"There are exciting times ahead at Grace Road. Everyone is looking forward to kicking on in 2011 and we are aiming to win some silverware to build on this season's good work."