Ramprakash extends Surrey contract

Mark Ramprakash has extended his playing deal at Surrey County Cricket Club until the end of the 2012 season. Ramprakash, who will now be 43 by the time the deal expires, has scored 15,030 first-class runs for Surrey at an average of 74.40, including 60 of his 113 first-class centuries.

Although he is currently rehabilitating following a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered whilst playing football in November last year, Ramprakash expects to be back playing by late May.

During the 2008 season, Ramprakash became the 25th cricketer to reach 100 first-class centuries, notching 106 not out against Yorkshire at Headingley. Since then, he has recorded a further 13 hundreds, a tally that puts him just one below the great Sir Vivian Richards and he only requires five more to surpass Sir Donald Bradman.

"I am still enjoying my cricket, maintaining my fitness and am still able to score runs for Surrey, so extending my contract was a very simple decision for me," said Ramprakash.

"Under Chris Adams and Rory Hamilton-Brown, Surrey has a very exciting young side who I feel have the capability to win trophies over the next two years. Helping them achieve their potential will be both enjoyable and rewarding and I look forward to playing my full part over the next two years at the Kia Oval."

Surrey Professional Cricket Manager Chris Adams added: "Mark Ramprakash is the finest domestic batsman of his generation and still has a huge amount to offer Surrey County Cricket Club.

"To have a man with his ability, experience and energy in your dressing room is simply something that cannot be bought and I look forward to continue working with him for the next two seasons."