Crawley extends Hampshire career

John Crawley is the rock in Hampshire's middle order © Getty Images

John Crawley has extended his contract with Hampshire by three years, meaning he will be playing at the Rose Bowl until at least 2008. Crawley, who moved from Lancashire in 2002, made 1246 runs in the County Championship last summer including a career-best 311 not out, against Nottinghamshire.

After signing his new deal Crawley said: "It has been a great honour to have represented Hampshire for the last four years and I am delighted to have been offered the chance to be a part of the action for at least the next three. I believe it is a great time to be playing for such a positive club and that we are on the verge of something special."

Paul Terry, the first team manager, who is currently in Perth added: "I am delighted that John has extended his contract until 2008. With a number of younger players in our squad having the experience and skill of John is very important in the development of these players and gives us a suitable blend of youth and experience. John is a proven match winner and I feel some of his finer years are ahead of him."

Crawley played 37 Tests and 13 ODIs for England and has amassed over 21,000 first-class runs since making his debut in 1990.