Keith Barker indicators two-year contract extension with Hampshire

Fellow allrounder Martin Andersson pens recent maintain Middlesex to finish of 2024

Barker, 34, has grow to be a key member of Hampshire’s four-day facet since becoming a member of from Warwickshire on the finish of the 2018 season, and ultimate summer season he picked up 41 wickets within the LV= Insurance coverage County Championship at a median of 18.41.

All over the Divisional degree of the contest, when Hampshire fell agonisingly in need of claiming their first Championship identify since 1973, he claimed 21 wickets in 4 fits together with a career-best 7 for 46 in opposition to Nottinghamshire.

He showcased his magnificence with the bat all over a knock of 84 to lend a hand Hampshire to a seven-wicket victory in opposition to Middlesex at Lord’s in Might.

“I felt I did beautiful properly ultimate yr and so that you can pass once more for any other two years, I could not ask for anymore truly,” Barker stated. “I truly need us to get that red-ball trophy and push as onerous as we will be able to for that – we are taking the suitable strides this iciness and optimistically we will be able to recover from the road subsequent yr.”

Barker used to be named Hampshire’s Pink Ball Bowler of the 12 months on the membership’s end-of-season awards, the place he used to be additionally decided on by way of his friends as Gamers’ Participant of the 12 months.

Giles White, Hampshire’s Director of Cricket, stated: “Keith has been one of the most main all-rounders within the longest type of the sport for years. It is not simply the runs and the wickets that make him one of these precious member of our squad. He additionally performs the most important position off the sphere and has grow to be a well-respected chief inside the crew.”

Barker took 38 County Championship wickets at a median of 26.34 in his first season at The Ageas Bowl in 2019. Having performed in all however one recreation that summer season because of sickness, he additionally contributed with the bat, including 357 runs at a median of 25.50.

The COVID-19 pandemic mixed with a minor damage restricted Barker to simply two appearances in 2020, when he added seven wickets at 28.71.

Now 25, Andersson made his top notch and T20 debuts for Middlesex in opposition to the tip of the 2018 season prior to an injury-hit 2019 season restricted him to simply two Championship appearances, enjoying as a batsman handiest.

Alan Coleman, Middlesex Head of Males’s Skilled Cricket, stated: “Authentic all-rounders are onerous to return by way of in cricket, and Martin has proven his high quality with each bat and ball all over the ultimate couple of seasons. I am thrilled that he has dedicated his long term to the membership. He has the power to win video games of cricket with each talents, and it’ll be nice to look at him in a Middlesex blouse for the following few seasons.”