HAMPSHIRE batter Nick Gubbins has signed a new contract at the Ageas Bowl ahead of the new season.

Gubbins made the switch to Hampshire during the 2021 season, initially joining the club on loan, and made his debut against Surrey in early July.

He made an instant impact scoring an unbeaten 137 against Gloucestershire in the County Championship.

He continued to excel, scoring 754 runs in the County Championship and making it to the semi-final in the Royal London Cup – after he was made captain in the absence of James Vince.

The left-hander was also part of the Middlesex side that won the 2016 County Championship, scoring an impressive 1,409 runs at an average of above 60.

Speaking about the contract announcement, Gubbins said: "I am thrilled to have extended my contract at Hampshire. It is such a fantastic club and place to play my cricket.

"Our current squad excites me and I firmly believe we will be challenging for all trophies in the next few years, which I cannot wait to be a part of."

2023 saw Gubbins’ influence on the team grow even further as he scored three tons and four half-centuries during the red-ball campaign, finishing with 969 runs at an average of 46.14.

He also returned as skipper for a successful Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign, adding 404 runs as his side finished runners-up to Leicestershire Foxes.

Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White added: "Nick has been outstanding for us since his arrival. He is a player of quality and leads with great energy and enthusiasm.

"We see him as a hugely important player as we look to take the team to the next level."

The Ageas Bowl side begin their campaign with a trip to Durham in the County Championship on Friday, April 5.