Surrey captain Gareth Batty signs new two-year deal

Captain Gareth Batty has signed a new two-year deal with Surrey.

The former England spinner, who made 18 international appearances, will be on the verge of turning 40 when his new contract at the Oval expires at the end of the 2017 season.

Batty led Surrey to the County Championship Division Two title, sealing promotion with a hat-trick against Derbyshire in the penultimate home game of the season, and the Royal London One-Day Cup final in his first full campaign as skipper.

He has become the second senior player to commit to Surrey in recent weeks, following Gary Wilson's contract renewal, after the club also handed fresh terms to eight of their exciting youngsters.

Batty told Surrey's official website: "I'm delighted to be signing this new deal at the club. We've got a very special set of players at the moment and it's a great honour to be able to lead them onto the field.

"Promotion last season was just the start of what we can achieve as a club and I look forward to playing my part in our continued development over the next two years."

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: "Batts is playing an incredibly important part in what we're trying to achieve at Surrey.

"As captain of the club he has shown real leadership qualities both on and off the field and his all-round contribution in the progress we are making should not be underestimated.

"I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone that to have him under contract for another two years is great news and I personally look forward to continuing to work with him."