Barker Commits To Bears With Contract Extension

Warwickshire all-rounder Keith Barker has signed a new three-year contract extension with the Bears to remain at Edgbaston until at least the end of the 2015 season.

Barker (25) joined the Bears in 2008 after graduating from the academy of Blackburn Rovers FC, and made his First Class debut against Nottinghamshire at Edgbaston a year later. Since then he has taken 156 wickets in all competitions for Warwickshire and scored more than 1300 runs.

Commenting on his new deal with the Bears, Barker said: "Warwickshire is a great Club with a strong squad that's capable of competing in all domestic competitions.

"I have been very keen to remain part of this and I'm very happy to be able to extend my stay here for another three years."

In the seven matches in this season's LV County Championship, Barker has taken 32 wickets for the Bears, including his first five-wicket haul in the competition against Lancashire in Liverpool, and his first 10-wicket match against Durham at Edgbaston.

Ashley Giles, Warwickshire's Director of Cricket, said: "It's great news for the Club that Keith has committed for another three years. He's worked incredibly hard and shown great commitment to improving his game in his training with Graeme Welch over the last two years.

"The team have certainly reaped the rewards for his efforts, particularly in the LV County Championship. He's matured as a cricketer and has taken great confidence out of leading the attack with Chris Wright in the early part of the season, so everyone is delighted that he will remain at Edgbaston until at least 2015."