Steve Davies signs one-year contract extension with Somerset

The 35-year-old, who joined Somerset from Surrey in 2017, has scored 3,173 first-class runs at 32.37 for the club

Steve Davies has signed a one-year contract extension with Somerset to remain at the club until at least the end of the 2023 season.

The 35-year-old, who joined the club from Surrey ahead of the 2017 season, has scored 3,173 first-class runs at 32.37 for Somerset and remains a crucial run-scorer in the middle order despite his advancing years.

Batting alongside Tom Abell, James Hildreth, Lewis Goldsworthy and Lewis Gregory in a stacked Somerset line-up, the wicketkeeper-batter scored 634 runs at 31.70, including five half-centuries, in 13 LV= Insurance County Championship appearances in 2021, finishing second in the run-scoring rankings behind Abell (711 runs). He is yet to finish outside the top-three in five seasons.

He also took 37 catches and completed one stumping with the gloves.

With the white ball, Davies has made 22 List A appearances for Somerset, scoring 455 runs at 21.66, as well as contributing 633 runs in 37 T20 matches.

^{Davies celebrating one of his two half-centuries in the Royal London Cup last season [Harry Trump/Getty Images]}

Last season, he scored 269 runs at 38.42 in the Royal London Cup – second only to fellow veteran, Hildreth – and impressed with his nifty strike rate of 103.46.

Commenting on committing his future to Somerset, Davies said: "Somerset is a special club and I'm delighted that my time here will continue. It's felt like home since the very first moment that I stepped into the dressing room and I can’t imagine playing anywhere else.

"The club is in a very strong position at the moment and the talent that we have at our disposal is exceptional. I'm delighted that I’m going to be a part of that for at least another two seasons.

"We came so close to silverware last year and I genuinely believe that we have the squad to challenge on all three fronts this season and beyond."

Director of cricket, Andy Hurry, added: "Steve Davies is the model professional. He has a wealth of experience, he is exceptional behind the stumps, and he has a genuine desire to part of a winning environment.

"His attitude is outstanding, and he is brilliant with our younger players. He brings an air of calm assuredness to the dressing room which is a vital component, and everyone associated with the club is delighted that he has extended his time with us."