HAMPSHIRE confirm bowler Kyle Abbott has signed a new two-year contract extension, extending his stay at The Ageas Bowl until at least the end of 2024.

Abbott, 35, is into his sixth season with Hampshire, and has been one of the finest pace bowlers the club has ever seen.

He made his mark in his first season with the county, topping the wicket taking charts for Hampshire with 60– the third most in the 2017 County Championship.

He formed part of a formidable bowling partnership with Fidel Edwards, one that would continue across the three seasons they spent together at the club.

After signing his deal, Abbott said: “I’m delighted to stay with Hampshire for another two years.

“We’ve got a great group of players and since joining in 2017, I’ve made some great friendships and memories; I’m very proud to call The Ageas Bowl my home.

“We’ve made some great strides as a team and hopefully we can continue our success in the years to come and get our hands on some more silverware.”

Giles White, director of cricket, added: “Introducing the right people to the squad is a key element to a successful team and we feel that we’ve struck gold with Kyle.

“He’s been one of the most influential overseas players in the English game and has a genuine affinity to the club. We are lucky to have him.”

Abbott burst onto the scene on his Hampshire debut, taking 7-41 in Yorkshire’s second innings as the Tykes were bowled out for 187, while Hampshire completed an unlikely run chase of 320.

Then, in 2019, the pace bowler stunned Somerset in the County Championship at The Ageas Bowl, as he took 9-40 in their first innings, before a further 8-46 in the second to finish with 17-86.

Those were the fourth best figures in the history of the County Championship, and the tenth best of all time first-class cricket.

Across his Hampshire career to date, Abbott has taken over 350 wickets at an average of 20.42, and took his 500th career First-Class wicket against Surrey at The Oval.

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