JOHN BRACEWELL has described Craig Miles as “the best under-20 bowler in the country.”

Gloucestershire’s director of cricket is delighted to have tied down the 19-year-old seam bowler to the club until the end of the 2017 season.

Miles has joined Liam Norwell, Hamish Marshall and Ian Cockbain in signing a new contract.

He is Gloucestershire’s leading wicket taker in the County Championship this season with 43 victims to his name at an average of 30.21.

Bracewell said: “What fantastic news to have extended Craig’s contract. He is without doubt the best under-20 bowler in the country.

“With time and effort, Craig will undoubtedly play at the highest level. We must and will provide that support.

Miles added: “I’m delighted to sign and extend my contract at Gloucestershire. I am excited to be part of a team that has the potential to be successful over the next couple of years”

Seam bowler Norwell, 21, has struggled with injuries since bursting onto the scene by taking 6-46 on his debut against Derbyshire two years ago, but his potential has been recognised with a new deal until the end of the 2015 season.

He said: “I am delighted to commit my future to Gloucestershire. This is great team to play for.

“My thanks go to all the coaches for giving me the opportunity to continue playing with the squad and I look forward to helping to bring success back to the club.”

Former New Zealand batsman Marshall looks set to end his career at Gloucestershire having signed a new deal which expires in 2016.

The 34-year-old is enjoying one of his best seasons since joining the club in 2006 and is closing in on 1,000 first class runs having hit four centuries.

Batsman Cockbain, a regular in the one-day sides, has committed his future until the end of the 2015 campaign.

Bracewell said: “Hamish has proved his value to us on and off the field. He is still in our top four in terms of fitness, which is a credit to him and a great example to our young players.

“When you have a young squad it is vital to have the right senior professionals in the dressing room as role models. Hamish is like a father figure to a lot of his team-mates and they trust him.”

“Ian Cockbain’s opportunities in four-day cricket have been limited by the fact that our top order batting has been consistent and we signed a batsman as overseas player in Michael Klinger, who has done very well.

“But in limited overs cricket Ian has been one of our stars. He has shown he can put bat to ball and does not need time to play himself in.

“Liam Norwell has had his problems with injuries and we need to get him on the park more, But we recognise his potential as a wicket-taker and will continue to help him overcome the fitness issues.”

Wicketkeeper Richard Coughtrie and seam bowler Paul Muchall will leave Gloucestershire at the end of the season after being told they will not be offered new contracts.