Kieswetter commits to Somerset

Craig Kieswetter, the South African-born wicketkeeper-batsman, has pledged his future to Somerset by signing a three-year contract that will keep him at Taunton until the end of 2012.

Kieswetter, 22, was born in Johannesburg and grew up in South Africa, but qualifies to play for England on residency grounds in February. He has committed to play for England, despite calls in November from Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, to return and play for the country of his birth.

He had a productive season last year, scoring over 1200 runs at an average of nearly 60 in the County Championship and playing a dominant role at the top of the order in one-day cricket, cracking 634 runs at 48.76. He feels Somerset is the right place for him and looks forward to helping the club challenge for the title next season.

"I am delighted to have signed a new three-year deal because I feel very passionate about the club and want to be involved at the County Ground. I love playing at Somerset and it's a fantastic place to be with all the tradition that there is about the place."

"The supporters and the whole environment at Somerset make it a place that I want to be involved with and I want to help to be part of creating something special. I am very excited about what I can do to help to develop the club and move it forward to be one of the dominant forces in the country."

His good performances and clear promise earned him a call-up to the England Performance Programme and he has been with them in South Africa recently.

"I have had a hectic few weeks but it has all been pretty good for me. I will come back to Somerset feeling a lot more confident about my all round game and with some new ideas. I was really delighted to have been involved with the England Performance Programme and feel it has been really beneficial to all aspects of my game, including my skills base of batting and keeping, as well as lifestyle, diet and nutrition. The whole package which has been a great learning experience for me."

Brian Rose, the Somerset director of cricket, said: "Craig signing a new three-year deal is also another great sign of the way that the club has moved forward both on and off the field, spotting youngsters and developing them in the first team.

"Craig is part of the England Performance Programme squad and pressing for a place with England Lions. With the way that the market is at the moment, for him to put his faith in Somerset like he has means that he sees a strong management both on and off the field, which is great for the county."