LIAM Dawson has committed his future to Hampshire, signing a two-year contract extension with the club.

Since making his first-team debut in 2007 at just 17, during a List A match against Northamptonshire, Dawson has become a mainstay across all formats for Hampshire.

The all-rounder’s contributions with both bat and ball have helped Hampshire to five pieces of silverware – lifting the T20 trophy in 2010 and a limited-overs double in 2012, as well as the County Championship Division Two title in 2014 before tasting Royal London One-Day Cup success in 2018.

Dawson has also received Test, ODI and T20I call-ups for England and was a part of the 15-man 2019 World Cup winning squad. Most recently he represented his nation in the West Indies during their T20 series in January.

During the 2021 season, the 32-year-old was a yet again a key figure despite a period out with a hand injury. In nine Vitality Blast appearances, he took 10 wickets as the Hawks narrowly missed out at Finals Day. Meanwhile, he partnered his 10 wickets with 561 runs in the County Championship to help take Hampshire to within touching distance of the title.

Giles White, Hampshire director of cricket, said: “Liam is an integral part of the team across all the formats. He is obviously a high-quality all-rounder, but he also brings a competitive spirit and passion for winning which is valued highly by us all.”

Dawson added: “I’m delighted to have signed a contract extension. Having been here since I was a 10-year-old, coming up through the age groups, signing for another two years is really exciting and I’m really looking forward to what comes next.”