Somerset veteran James Hildreth signs one-year contract extension

The 36-year old has made 665 appearances for Somerset in all formats since making his debut in 2003

Veteran Somerset batsman James Hildreth has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2022 season.

The 36-year old’s contract was due to expire at the end of the upcoming season, but he has chosen to commit to another year at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

Hildreth, who made his debut for Somerset in 2003, has made 665 appearances in all formats and scored the winning runs when the club lifted the T20 Cup in 2005 and the 2019 Royal London One-Day Cup.

He has a career total of 25996 runs and is the county’s leading T20 run scorer with 3694 runs.

Commenting on his contract extension, Hildreth said: "I absolutely love the club and I just want to go on playing here for as long as possible. It’s an amazing job to have and I’m very fortunate to have played for the length of time that I have. When I was offered an extension there was never a question mark about what I was going to do.

James Hildreth has signed a contract extension with Somerset County Cricket Club! 🤝

⤵️⤵️⤵️#WeAreSomerset

— Somerset Cricket 🏏 (@SomersetCCC) January 22, 2021

"We’ve been playing consistently good cricket for a long time now. We’ve won a trophy and we want to win more. I’ve got every confidence that Somerset can keep pushing for silverware this year and for future years to come.

"We’ve got exciting young players coming through who have already contributed to Somerset winning matches and that’s a great sign. The older boys are still desperate to contribute to wins as well and we’re always keen to help out the younger guys coming through.

"Last year was a really hard one for so many people, and we know how much coming to see the team play means to our members and supporters. When they are in the ground the atmosphere is second to none. Fingers crossed we can get people in this year to watch and there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. We want to try and make 2021 the most brilliant year for everyone."

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Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, added: "What can you say about James Hildreth that hasn’t already been said? He is phenomenal both on the field and off it. He is one of the most respected players in the domestic game because he has consistently delivered with the bat and in the field and his record speaks for itself.

"He loves this club, and his knowledge and experience of the game has benefitted the younger players in the squad. We are delighted that he has extended his time with the club."