Barnett, who will be 41 later this month, has agreed to remain with the West Country side up until the end of the 2003 season.

The former England batsman ended a two decade association with Derbyshire - where he was captain - at the end of the 1998 campaign, signing an initial three-year deal with Gloucestershire.

Barnett has been a key figure in Gloucestershire's one-day success which will see them appear in a fifth successive Lord's final at the weekend against Adam Hollioake's side.

He is the county's leading scorer in first class cricket this season and believes he has reaped the benfits of a knee operation last September.

Barnett said: "I've agreed to stay with Gloucestershire for two more years after this one and that will take me up to 25 seasons in first class cricket.

"I came here thinking I'd definitely play the three years of my contract but after that you never know because of fitness and form and injuries.

"But I am happy with the way things are going and looking forward to playing for another couple of years.

"I feel in good nick now and my fitness is better now because I've been able to work harder on that since having the knee operation at the end of last season.

"Now I am just looking forward to the final with Surrey next weekend and I hope I can play a part in what we hope will be another success for the club."