Moeen signs three-year extension

Moeen Ali has extended his contract with Worcestershire for three more years, which will keep him at the club till the end of the 2011 season.

An explosive batsman, Moeen - whose contract was to expire at the end of 2009 - averages 28.36 in 16 first-class games, and 22.81 in 35 List A games.

"I'm very happy to commit to Worcestershire and repay the faith that the club, and Steve Rhodes [Worcestershire's director of cricket], in particular, have shown in me," Moeen, 21, said. "New Road is an exciting place to be at the moment and I'm delighted to be part of a team that I believe can do well in all formats of the game."

Following his move from Warwickshire in September 2006, he played a crucial role in Worcestershire's Pro40 Division One triumph in 2007, partnering Steve Davies at the top of the order. Their 151-run partnership in less than 17 overs helped secure victory in the deciding match against neighbours Gloucestershire at Bristol.

Rhodes said he was pleased Moeen had chosen to stay on. "Moeen is a young and very talented player and is the kind of player we want to see flourish with the county," Rhodes said. "He has already proved his worth but he has a great opportunity to cement a regular place in the team this year following Graeme Hick's retirement. I am delighted he has committed his future to Worcestershire."

Moeen's other notable achievements include the captaining the England Under-19 team for the World Cup in 2006, representing England at the U-15 and U-16 levels and winning the Denis Compton medal two years in succession. He is the cousin of Kabir Ali, who has played one Test and 14 ODIs for England.