BATSMAN Joe Weatherley has put pen-to-paper on a new contract extension at Hampshire.

The 24-year-old’s fresh deal will keep him at Ageas Bowl until the end of 2022.

Weatherley is a product of Hampshire’s player pathway system, having featured prominently for Hampshire’s age-group, academy and second XI sides before making the step-up to the first team.

“It’s an absolute honour to continue to play for my boyhood club and I’m excited about the future here at Hampshire,” said Weatherley.

“I can’t wait to contribute to future team success and be back playing in front of our members and supporters again soon.” 

First XI debuts initially arrived in 2016 as Weatherley made nine appearances for Hampshire’s senior squad across all formats that summer, and the right-hander quickly became a permanent fixture in James Vince’s side just two years later.

Weatherley impressed in a regular spot at the top of the order during the 2018 season, contributing 772 runs across all formats including his first centuries for the club in both the County Championship and 50-over competitions - the latter was a competition in which he especially thrived to help the club secure its first limited-overs silverware in six years. 

Weatherley suffered a fractured ankle which caused an abrupt end to his 2019 campaign, but despite the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in a truncated 2020 domestic season, he bounced back from injury in excellent style. 

He totalled 263 runs at an average of 43.83 in the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy and contributed 185 runs in a shortened Vitality Blast campaign.

Giles White, Hampshire director of cricket, said: “It’s been great to see Joe’s development in recent seasons. 

“He has become an important member of the squad and has an excellent attitude and grasp of his game. 

“We fully expect him to continue his progress and become a player capable of match-defining innings across all formats for Hampshire. 

“We look forward to seeing this in the coming seasons.”