Mustard extends Durham contract

Durham wicketkeeper Phil Mustard has signed a one-year contract extension which will keep him at the Riverside until 2012.

Mustard has been key to Durham's back-to-back County Championship titles in 2008 and 2009 and was delighted to announce his commitment to the county.

"It has been fantastic to be a part of Durham's success over the past few seasons," said the 27-year-old.

"I feel that my contribution to the side is only going to improve."

The news was also a boost to Durham coach Geoff Cook, who has seen the one-time England one-day international keeper impress with the bat, notably in the short-form game where his displays earned him the Pro40 Division One most valuable player award for 2009.

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"Phil has matured a great deal over the season, not only with his keeping but as a batsman," he said.

"He has taken on the responsibility of opening the batting in the one-day competition and Twenty20 Cup and delivered some superb results.

"He is undoubtedly an excellent asset behind the stumps as well as a great character to have in the dressing room."

Mustard made his first-class debut for Durham in 2002, having made his 'A' bow in 2000, and has since made almost 4000 runs in 101 matches with the bat.

His last England one-day appearance came against New Zealand in Christchurch in February 2008.

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