Friday 21 November 2014 14:10, UK
Gloucestershire have awarded batsman Ian Cockbain a new contract which keeps him at Bristol until 2017.
Cockbain has scored 1751 first class runs in the past three seasons, plus 1005 in one-day cricket and 771 in Twenty20.
He scored a career-best 151no against Surrey this season.
Cockbain, 27, told the club’s website: "I am really pleased to have signed a new deal with Gloucestershire. I believe there are some very exciting times coming up for our squad.
“It was obviously a big loss to see the Gidman brothers (Alex and Will, to Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire respectively) leave, but this has now presented a fantastic challenge and opportunity for me to step up as one of the senior guys and to take on more responsibility in the group.”
Director of cricket John Bracewell added: "He has predominantly been used as a short-form player over the last few seasons, but his innings of great maturity against Surrey last season showed everyone that he can now move smoothly from white to red ball.
"If he can nail down a permanent place in all forms, he has the tactical nous to one day captain the side."
