Ned Eckersley and Charlie Shreck awarded new Leicestershire deals

Leicestershire have handed contract extensions to batsman Ned Eckersley and veteran fast bowler Charlie Shreck.

Eckersley has been rewarded for his recent form, when he became just the third Leicestershire player to hit three consecutive first-class centuries, and will now remain with the Foxes until at least the end of the 2018 season.

A wicketkeeping batsman, he was kept out of the team for much of this season by Niall O'Brien. But the Ireland international has now left the club.

Former Nottinghamshire and Kent star Shreck, who has taken 128 first-class wickets for the Foxes, has extended his stay by 12 months until the completion of the 2017 campaign.

Leicestershire chief executive Wasim Khan said: "It is fantastic news that Ned and Charlie have committed their futures to Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

"Ned has played a key role for us this season. The fact that he has broken some long-standing records for centuries batting at number seven, particularly after bouncing back from the disappointment of a pre-season injury, shows his class and character. We look forward to Ned making many more runs for us in the future.

"Charlie has also made a huge contribution since joining, averaging around 43 wickets per season with four games still to play in 2016. Charlie has continued to put in consistent performances on the field and is a popular and valuable member of the dressing room."

Meanwhile, Leicestershire have announced that Rob Taylor and Atif Sheikh will not be offered new contracts for the 2017 campaign.