Hildreth scored seven centuries for Somerset last season

Somerset batsman James Hildreth has signed a new three-year contract with the club.

Hildreth, 26, who captained the England Lions this winter, made his first-class debut for the county in 2003 and became a regular in the side in 2004.

"I have always been very proud playing for Somerset and look forward to a big future," he said.

"The squad we have now got is impressive in that we have got the capability of winning trophies."

He continued: "Also, you can see from the young lads coming through there is a huge potential for the future, so both signs are quite bright."

Hildreth was the third highest run scorer in four-day cricket last season scoring 1,440 runs at an average of 65.54 in the County Championship.

His performances for the Taunton-based county earned him selection for England's performance squad that travelled to Australia at the same time as the Ashes squad.

While down under Hildreth scored an unbeaten double hundred against Queensland Academy and also linked up with the Ashes side when nominated as 12th man on the fourth day of the Brisbane Test.

The former England Under-19 international was also named in the 30-man provisional World Cup squad before the final selection was made.

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