Will Smith has signed a two year contract extension with Durham. The 29 year old former captain was the team's second highest scorer in the LV= County Championship with 978 runs. He was also named Fielder of the Year at the end of season awards dinner.

Smith said: "I've enjoyed this season a lot. I've felt comfortable in the middle and what's just as important to me as scoring the runs is knowing that I've played some important innings that have helped us win games. I'm delighted to be staying with Durham for another two years."

Coach Geoff Cook added: "Will has shown real passion, commitment and determination to get back to the performance levels we know he is capable of. I'm confident that there is even more to come."