HOME-GROWN duo Brett D’Oliveira and Ed Barnard have given Worcestershire a major boost by signing contract extensions.
All-rounders D’Oliveira and Barnard had two years and one year left respectively of their current deals.
However, the Academy products have committed to longer term contracts with Worcestershire and follow in the footsteps of Josh Tongue, Tom Fell, George Scrimshaw and Ollie Westbury who also recently signed new deals.
D’Oliveira and Barnard have played key parts in Worcestershire’s challenge strongly for promotion back to the top flight.
Opening batsman D’Oliveira, who was chosen for the England Lions last summer, has scored nearly 600 runs with two centuries this season.
Barnard has totalled 371 Championship runs batting predominantly at number seven after being promoted up the order and has also taken 28 wickets – just three short of last season’s tally.
A delighted D’Oliveira said: “I was over the moon and pleasantly surprised to have been offered the extension in the first place by the club and then to sign it as well, and get the deal I was happy with, is absolutely amazing really.
“In terms of my own game, I think I have shown improvements over the last few years.
“I still have a lot to give and I want to achieve a lot more. I feel I’ve been improving each season and I’ve just got to keep working hard and moving forward.”
Barnard was equally pleased to commit his future to New Road and happy with his form so far this season.
“It’s great a lot of other people like Dolly, Tonguey and Felly are also committing to the club with new contracts.
“Worcestershire is a terrific place for young players to play and we have shown in the Championship this year that we are still an improving side.
“Hopefully in the next few years, if we keep our core players together, that is going to continue.”
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “It is wonderful to see these guys who have come through our system, come through our Academy, commiting to the club.
“They are showing real faith in wanting to be part of the journey of success that we hope the team can create.
“One of our goals is not just to develop good cricketers but also to hang onto them and these two guys have shown tremendous loyalty in signing longer deals.”
