Kieswetter has been in South Africa with the England performance squad

Somerset wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter has signed a new three-year deal with the club.

The 21-year-old follows captain Marcus Trescothick in pledging his future to the Cidermen until 2012.

"It's great news for the club and all the other young players that Craig has committed himself to us," director of cricket Brian Rose told BBC Bristol.

"If they see potential England players staying at the club it really makes a difference to those coming through."

South African-born Kieswetter joined Somerset in 2007 and quickly became first choice behind the stumps.

He's rewarded us by staying for the next three years and it's a great thing for a young player to do. Director of cricket Brian Rose

His attacking style of play has also seen him promoted to opening batsman in limited-overs cricket.

He scored 1,242 first-class runs in the 2009 season and his form attracted the attention of the England hierarchy, who fast-tracked him into the Performance Programme even though he does not qualify to play until February 2010.

He represented South Africa at the Under-19 World Cup in 2005-06 and it was reported that the Proteas captain Graeme Smith had expressed an interest in wanting Kieswetter for his side.

But, Kieswetter has pledged his allegiance to England and has recently returned from a spell with the EPP in South Africa.

"Craig is a young ambitious player and wants to play for England. He's stated that and he's done exceptionally well for us" added Rose.

"His graph has always been steadily upwards and if he goes on to play for England A and then the England side that'll be great for Somerset cricket.

"He's rewarded us really by staying for the next three years and it's a great thing for a young player to do."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version