Gloucestershire opening batsman Chris Dent has signed a two-year extension to his contract, seeing him remain at the Brightside Ground until September 2020.

Not only has Dent signed a contract extension, he has also been awarded the captaincy of Gloucestershire’s Specsavers County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup side.

Dent, who graduated from Gloucestershire’s age group squads and Academy, has become a mainstay of the top order.

An outstanding fielder and occasional left arm spinner, Chris is currently one of the longest-serving members of the squad, despite being only 27 years old.

Speaking on his latest contract extension, Chris said: “It's always a proud moment to sign a contract extension but even more so when it's with the Club I have grown up at and is so close to the hearts of me and my family.

“I look forward to spending the next three years playing for Gloucestershire and know that my two boys will also grow to love this fantastic Club and have lasting memories of their time at the Brightside Ground, just like I did growing up.”

Dent added: “I'm excited and proud to have the opportunity to captain Gloucestershire and have been lucky enough to learn from many fantastic captains over my 8 playing years. I hope to bring a mixture of my own qualities and the qualities that I have learnt from these captains to lead the team positively throughout the season.”

Head coach Richard Dawson said: “It is fantastic news that Chris has signed a contract extension at the Club. He has improved year on year to become a high class top order batsman and a vital and well-respected member of the Club, having come through the Academy system.

This has meant it is an ideal opportunity for him to take on more responsibility at the Club and therefore he will lead the team as captain in the 4-day and 50-over competition.”