Sam Bates agrees new Leicestershire contract

The wicketkeeper-batter made his senior debut in 2021 and has been rewarded for his progress with a fresh 12-month deal

Leicestershire have secured the services of young wicketkeeper-batter Sam Bates on a new contract until the end of the 2022 season.

The 22-year-old made his senior debut last season, playing in the LV=Insurance County Championship match against Worcestershire at Grace Road.

Bates claimed three dismissals with the gloves in what ended up being a 10-wicket defeat for the Running Foxes.

He played a major role in the club's second XI campaign, scoring 296 runs and completing 20 dismissals in seven Championship outings.

Now the focus is on securing a regular role among the first team when the new season kicks off in April.

^{Grace Road (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)}

“I’m thrilled to have extended my stay with the Foxes," he said. "I have loved this club ever since I was a boy so it’s great to be able to continue with them.

“Last year was a big learning curve for me and my cricket, and one that I won’t forget in hurry with making my debut at the back end of the season.

Claude Henderson, director of cricket at Leicestershire, added: "We are pleased that Sam has extended his career with us.

"We have a solid foundation of young players, mixed in with experience – it will be great to see how they all progress together."