Stiff signs at Grace Road

Leicestershire's squad for the new season continues to take shape after David Stiff, the former Kent seamer, signed a one-year deal and Tom New, their reserve keeper, agreed a two-year extension.

Stiff, who was released by Kent at the end of the 2006 season after making just eight appearances in three seasons, has impressed Leicestershire during a pre-season trail period.

New, meanwhile, is highly rated at Grace Road and has occasionally played as a specialist batsman. However, with Paul Nixon now in the England one-day squad he could have some early season chances with the gloves.

Tim Boon, Leicestershire's coach, was delighted with New's attitude. "Tom has shown a great desire to succeed, whether he is deputising for Paul Nixon or in the side as a batsman alone. There is no doubt that he has considerable potential and I am confident that he can begin to fulfil that in the coming season."

The club are currently on a pre-season tour of Sri Lanka and India and open their season against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on April 18.