HAMPSHIRE fast-bowler Brad Wheal has signed a contract extension with the club until the end of the 2023 season.

Since joining Hampshire in 2015 Wheal has developed into a key member of the first-team squad.

Wheal was instrumental in Hampshire’s 2021 Vitality Blast campaign which saw the Hawks reach Finals Day.

The fast-bowler regularly took on the important role of bowling at the death and picked up 17 wickets across the competition - Hampshire’s second highest wicket-taker.

In the 2021 County Championship, the 25-year-old was an important part of Hampshire’s bowling attack, taking 34 wickets in 13 matches at an average of just 26.

He also contributed with useful lower order runs with the bat - averaging 18 including a high score of 46 not out.

Director of Cricket Giles White said: “Brad has become an integral part of the team across the formats. He’s very popular; gives his all for the team and is calm under pressure.

"This year has been an excellent one for Brad and if he continues his progress he has a very exciting future ahead of him.”

Wheal was spotted while playing for his hometown side in Durban and earned a development contract for the 2015 season.

It didn’t take long for Brad for make an impression as part of the Hampshire second XI, before making his full debut that same year.

Having signed his first full contract at the end of the 2015 season, Wheal made key contributions with the ball in One-Day and Championship cricket for Hampshire during the 2016 summer, taking a career-best 6-51 in a crucial victory against Nottinghamshire.

Wheal started playing international cricket with Scotland in 2017 and he was recently named in their 2021 T20 ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad.

He featured in their impressive victory over Bangladesh over the weekend, posting figures of three for 24 from his four overs.