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Steven Croft signs two-year deal to extend Lancashire career

Steven Croft in innovative mood Getty Images

Steven Croft, Lancashire's long-serving allrounder, has signed a new two-year contract that will keep him at the club until the eve of his 37th birthday.

Croft's extension was secured after a productive 2019 season in which he was the second-highest run-scorer in the Royal London One-Day Cup, with 516 runs at 73.71, and helped Lancashire secure promotion back to Specsavers County Championship Division One.

In 2011, he had the honour of hitting the winning runs in Lancashire's County Championship win and he also led the side to a maiden T20 title as captain back in 2015.

He was awarded a testimonial in 2018, and was a fixture in the 2019 Vitality Blast, equalling his career-best in scoring 94 against Worcestershire Rapids at New Road.

Croft will begin his 16th season at Lancashire in 2020, having made his first-class debut as a 20-year-old against Oxford University in 2005. He joined the club's Academy in 2003 and was among the first players to graduate through to professional cricket.

In all, he has amassed 168 first-class, 145 List A and 168 T20 appearances for Lancashire, and is their all-time leading appearance-maker in T20 cricket since debuting in 2006.

He is also a Level 4 coach, and will continue to work with the Lancashire Academy and age-group sides in a coaching role.

"I am over the moon to have signed another contract with Lancashire," said Croft. "It is an incredibly special place for me and I can't wait for the new season to come round, my 16th as a professional.

"It means everything to represent the Red Rose. I still get a huge sense of pride whenever I play and I know I have plenty left to give on the field. The desire to perform for this Club remains as strong as ever.

"At this stage of my career, whilst I feel like I've still got a lot to offer as a player, to have the chance to further my coaching experience by working with the Club's Academy and age-group sides, is something that is very important to me."

Lancashire Director of Cricket, Paul Allott, said: "We are thrilled to have Steven on board for another two years. His performances last season more than merited another contract and he was a central part of our squad in all formats. He is an extremely versatile player and responded well last year when called upon in different roles within the team."

"There is no one more passionate about the Red Rose, and his extensive experience will help to guide the younger lads in the changing room as well as working with our Academy and age-group players, as he continues to gain further coaching experience."