Ramprakash scoops new deal

A prolific 2006 season saw Mark Ramprakash notch up 2,278 first-class runs © Getty Images

County run-making machine Mark Ramprakash has agreed a new three-year contract with Surrey.

The 37-year-old, who played the last of his 52 Tests in 2002, has committed to the club until the end of the 2009 season.

Ramprakash has been rewarded for a prolific 2006 season in which he became the first Englishman since himself in 1995 to score more than 2,000 first-class runs.

He ended the season with a tally of 2,278 runs and an average of more than 100 as Surrey secured promotion back to the first division of the Liverpool Victoria County Championship.

Ramprakash, who found further fame this winter as the winner of television's 'Strictly Come Dancing', said: "Last season was extremely satisfying, from both a personal and club perspective.

"Gaining promotion back into division one of the Championship will bring a fresh challenge, one that I very much look forward to partaking in at the same time as continuing my association with the club."

Ramprakash joined Surrey in 2001 after beginning his career with Middlesex and cricket manager Alan Butcher is pleased he will be extending his stay.

Butcher said: "His technical expertise, work ethic and insatiable appetite for runs are an inspiration to our dressing room.

"The only problem I can foresee will be keeping him out of the salsa clubs during the summer."