Monday, August 18th, 2014

Fell Becomes Latest Worcestershire Player To Sign New Contract Extension

Fell Becomes Latest Worcestershire Player To Sign New Contract Extension

Worcestershire batsman Tom Fell has signed a new two year contract with the county until the end of the 2016 season.

Academy product Fell had one year remaining of his current contract but has extended that by a further 12 months.

He has joined all-rounder Joe Leach and paceman Chris Russell in committing themselves to LV = County Championship Division Two leaders Worcestershire for the next two seasons.

Twenty-year-old Fell made his debut last season and was denied a maiden Championship century against Kent when rain washed out play at New Road with him unbeaten on 94.

He has impressed in both Championship and List A cricket this season.

Fell eventually scored his maiden Championship century against Leicestershire at Grace Road in June and followed it up with a career best 133 in the next game against Glamorgan at New Road.

He also finished as Worcestershire's top scorer in the Royal London One-Day Cup with 341 runs and four half centuries at an average of 48.71.

Worcestershire Director Of Cricket Steve Rhodes: said: "Fell is a really exciting cricketer, not just with his two hundreds in four-day cricket this year.

"He's also played well in the 50 over competition and is a young player who has got a bright future.

"Again he is one of the types of cricketers that we want on a long contract so we are delighted he has extended.

"We feel he is going to be part of this club for a long time.

"He is quite a mature kid deep down, he is very laidback and relaxed but that can be a real strength because there is a lot of pressure in professional cricket."

Fell came into the Championship side after the first four games of the season after Moeen Ali's England call-up presented an opening.

He said: "The contract just gives me a bit more leeway going into next season. I can relax a bit more knowing I've got another year behind me – and I want to keep on improving in all aspects.

"It has been good the last couple of months. The Championship has gone pretty well but it has been nice to get some white ball runs and prove to myself and everyone else that I can do it on the one-day stage as well."