Cricket Hankins ‘delighted’ to extend his Gloucestershire deal
GLOUCESTERSHIRE batsman George Hankins has extended his contract with the club until the end of the 2021 season.
The 21-year-old, who is a graduate of the club’s academy, signed his first professional contract for Gloucestershire in 2016.
Hankins was the top run scorer for Gloucestershire in the 2018 Royal London One-Day Cup, when he scored 291 runs at an average of 58.20. He started the 50-over campaign with an impressive 85 in the victory against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens, sharing a firstwicket partnership of 147 with Gloucestershire skipper Chris Dent.
He made a highest score of 92 off 120 balls in the defeat to Kent at Beckenham in June, and his strong performances in the Royal London One-Day Cup earned him a call up to play for an ECB XI against India A in a one-day contest at Edgbaston. Unfortunately, George’s terrific start to the 2018 campaign was cut short after he sustained a knee injury in July while playing for the Second XI, which forced him to miss the remainder of the season.
On signing a contract extension, Bath-born Hankins said: “I am delighted to have extended my contract until the end of 2021.
“I am very excited to be part of this talented group of players and coaching staff and firmly believe we have a great opportunity to bring some silverware back to our club.”
Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson added: “It’s great news George has extended his contract with Gloucestershire.
“He has continued to develop over the past seasons and I’m delighted he can continue to progress with us.”
» Sussex batsman Laurie Evans has signed a contract extension to stay with the county beyond the end of next season.
The 31-year-old topped the Sharks’ batting averages in both white-ball competitions last season, helping them to reach the T20 Blast final. Sussex have not revealed the length of the new deal with Evans, whose existing contract was due to expire in 2019.
“I have loved everything about the club since joining,” said Evans.
“Hopefully we can have some great success with a talented young side.”
Evans, who moved to Hove from Warwickshire two years ago, amassed 614 runs - more than any other player - in last season’s T20 Blast.