Trott secures Warwickshire future

Jonathan Trott has signed a new three-year deal with Warwickshire, committing himself to the club to the end of the 2017 season.

Trott, 33, endured a tough start to 2014 but finished the season in something approaching his best form. After taking a second break from the game following a recurrence of a stress-related illness in April, he enjoyed a prolific spell following his return at the end of June.

In all, he made five first team centuries in his final 17 innings ­ including in Warwickshire's final two Championship matches of the season - and finished the Royal London One Day Cup campaign as the highest England-qualified run-scorer.

He is highly likely to be selected for the England Lions, who tour South Africa in January and February, but if he is unable to win a full international recall, Warwickshire may have secured themselves the Mark Ramprakash of his generation - a prolific county player available for the entire season.

Dougie Brown, Director of Cricket at Warwickshire, said: "Jonathan played some of the best cricket of his career in the second half of last season and he showed that he remains one of the leading batsmen in the English game.

"It's been great to see him enjoying his cricket and make such a big contribution to the team¹s strong finish to the season. He loves Warwickshire and playing cricket at Edgbaston, and everyone connected with the Club is thrilled to see him commit long-term."

It is the first time in several years that Trott, who has just lost his England central contract, will have his wages paid by Warwickshire but the club's costs were partially offset by Chris Woakes gaining a central contract for the first time.

Warwickshire are also close to agreeing a similar long-term deal with Ian Bell. It means that, except the injury-forced retirement of former club captain Jim Troughton, they have retained their entire playing squad from the 2014 season.