All-rounder Mike signs new two-year deal with Foxes

ALL-ROUNDER Ben Mike has become the latest player to commit his future to Leicestershire after signing a two-year contract extension at Grace Road.

Mike claimed the plaudits following a last-ball victory at Grace Road over the Yorkshire Vikings in the Vitality Blast which saw the youngster smash Adam Lyth back over his head for a huge six with three needed to win.

The 22-year old had an explosive 2020 Vitality Blast campaign with the bat, frequently coming in towards the end of the innings because of his power-hitting abilities.

He finished the Blast campaign with 70 runs from 39 balls at a strike-rate of 179.48 – the highest among the Foxes squad.

Mike’s spell with the ball was also useful, finishing the Blast season with three wickets and an economy rate of 6.87, bowling in tight areas at crucial points throughout the competition.

He also finished the 2020 Bob Willis Trophy campaign as joint top wicket-taker for Leicestershire with nine to his name alongside Dieter Klein.

The 2020 red ball campaign also saw him post a first-class best in Leicestershire colours, posting 51 not out from 83 balls in the draw at Grace Road against Notts.

Meanwhile, four other Running Foxes players have also committed their future to the club by signing new deals.

Opening batsman and off-break bowler Hassan Azad, 26, has signed a contract extension keeping him at Leicestershire until the end of 2022.

Wicket-keeper batsman Lewis Hill has penned a one-year extension while bowler Gavin Griffiths has agreed a new two-year extension.

His best Leicestershire performance was a 10 for 83 haul against Durham at Chester-le-Street in 2018.

Off-break bowler Nat Bowley has also signed a new two-year contract extension.

The Academy graduate only signed his first professional contract with Leicestershire in January.