Barker commits to Warwickshire

Warwickshire's all-rounder Keith Barker, whose early season championship form attracted the attention of a number of potential suitors, has signed a new three-year contract extension to remain at Edgbaston until at least the end of the 2015 season.

Barker, 25, joined Warwickshire in 2008 after graduating from the football academy of Blackburn Rovers and made his first-class debut against Nottinghamshire at Edgbaston a year later. Since then he has taken 156 wickets in all competitions for Warwickshire and scored more than 1300 runs.

In seven matches in this season's County Championship, Barker has taken 32 wickets, including his first five-wicket haul in the competition against Lancashire in Liverpool, and his first 10-wicket match against Durham at Edgbaston.

Ashley Giles, Warwickshire's director of cricket, said: "It's great news for the club that Keith has committed for another three years. He's worked incredibly hard and shown great commitment to improving his game in his training with Graeme Welch over the last two years.

"The team have certainly reaped the rewards for his efforts, particularly in the LV County Championship. He's matured as a cricketer and has taken great confidence out of leading the attack with Chris Wright in the early part of the season. Everyone is delighted he is remaining at the club."