Kieswetter agrees Cidermen deal
The new contract, which will keep him at the County Ground at least until the end of 2012, comes just a day after the announcement of skipper Marcus Trescothick's new three-year deal.
Last summer Kieswetter topped 1,000 runs in the LV County Championship for the first time ever, scoring 1,242 – which included four centuries at an average of 59.14 – as well as claiming 46 victims behind the stumps. He was also presented with his county cap in September during the home match against Worcestershire.
The former Millfield School student said: "I am delighted to have signed a new deal because I feel very passionate about the club and want to be involved at the County Ground. I love playing at Somerset and it's a fantastic place to be with all the tradition that there is about the place.
"The supporters and the whole environment at Somerset make it a place that I want to be part of and I want to help to be part of creating something special."
The 22-year-old also played a vital role in the Cidermen's one-day cricket success, during which he scored over 900 runs in all of the competitions.
Kieswetter has spent the last month out in South Africa with the England Performance Programme and he will become eligible to play international cricket for England in February.
Currently he is spending the festive period out in South Africa with his family, but will return to the County Ground in early January.
He said: "I have had a hectic few weeks but it has all been pretty good for me. I was really delighted to have been involved with the England Performance Programme and feel it has been really beneficial to all aspects of my game, including my skills base of batting and 'keeping, as well as lifestyle, diet and nutrition – the whole package has been a great learning experience for me."
Kieswetter also talked about his admiration for Trescothick who will take over the captaincy in 2010. He added: "To have Marcus as the new captain is a massive bonus and I was very interested to hear that Tres has signed a new long-term contract. We know each other well and have a lot of mutual respect and admiration for each other. I look forward to him leading Somerset to great things."
Kieswetter's commitment has also delighted Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose. He said: "Craig signing a new three-year deal is also another great sign of the way that the club has moved forward both on and off the field over the last three or four years – spotting youngsters and developing them into the first team.
"Craig is part of the England Performance squad and pressing for a place with England A. With the way that the market is at the moment with young players being approached, for him to put his faith in Somerset cricket like he has means that he sees a strong management both on and off the field, which is great for the county."
Meanwhile, Somerset are mourning the sad loss of Richard Robinson, a former secretary of the club, who passed away peacefully at his home in Cornwall earlier this month, aged 80.
Mr Robinson originated from Ireland but moved to Taunton after the Second World War, during which he served in the army and was appointed as Somerset CCC secretary in 1955, a post he held until 1969, making him the second-longest serving secretary in the history of the club.
He played cricket for many years for the Somerset Stragglers as a left-handed batsman and wicket-keeper. He was also joint secretary, while in the winter months he played for Taunton Rugby Club. After leaving Somerset CCC, Mr Robinson ran the stores at Chilton Polden and then became steward at Morlands Club at Glastonbury before later moving on to run the Sports Centre at Wells Cathedral School.
Somerset's Craig Kieswetter scored more than 1,000 runs in the Championship last summer
