Hampshire all-rounder Keith Barker signs new contract

The left-arm seamer signed a two-year contract when he left Warwickshire at the end of the 2018 season.

Now Barker, 33, has put pen to paper on an extended deal - committing his future to the club beyond the end of the 2020 campaign.

Barker enjoyed an excellent first season with Hampshire, claiming 38 wickets at 26.34 in last summer’s County Championship.

He played a pivotal role as part of a red-ball attack alongside Kyle Abbott and Fidel Edwards and the trio accounted for 156 wickets between them in the four-day competition.

With Abbott taking 71 wickets and Edwards 48, James Vince’s side achieved their highest Championship finish - third - for 11 years.

Barker also made valuable lower-order contributions with the bat, with 401 runs at 26.73 across 14 matches.

The man who made his first class debut for Warwickshire in 2009 was not used in either the Royal London Cup or T20 Blast tournaments.

He did, though, help Hampshire 2nds win the 2nd XI Championship for the first time since 2001.

He took six wickets and scored 60 batting at No 8 in the second innings as Hampshire defeated Leicestershire by 143 runs at The Ageas Bowl.

Hampshire Director of Cricket, Giles White, said: ‘We couldn’t be happier with how Keith has settled in at Hampshire and we’re delighted he’s signed an extension.

‘He’s a consistent performer and an important cog in our bowling attack, and he also adds important runs lower down in the order too so he contributes in all areas.

‘He’s also been particularly good with the younger players as a senior figure and is someone who is great around the club, giving his all off the field as well as on it - he’s a key part of our team moving forward.’

Barker said: ‘It’s a great club to be a part of and we’re certainly heading in the right direction to challenge for all three trophies in the coming years.’