Leicestershire CCC is pleased to announce homegrown batsman Sam Evans has extended his contract through to the end of the 2024 season.

The Academy graduate has scored 1,447 runs in 36 appearances for the Club, including a priceless 60 in a match-winning 151-run stand with Harry Swindells during Leicestershire’s Metro Bank One Day Cup final victory over Hampshire in September.

Evans also played a crucial role in steering Leicestershire to the Second Eleven Championship title this summer, captaining the side on five occasions and registering 344 runs at 34.40 as the Foxes finished unbeaten at the top of the table.

A product of the Academy at Grace Road, Evans joined the pathway setup at Under 11 level, before signing his first professional contract in 2017 and debuting in the final fixture of that season.

After balancing cricket with his university studies, the 25-year-old cemented himself as a first team regular in red-ball cricket at the beginning of 2021. He made a blistering start to the campaign, scoring three centuries in as many matches, including a career-best 138 at The Oval against Surrey.

Discussing his extension, the Leicestershire-born opener said: “Growing up, it was always my dream to play for Leicestershire, so I’m delighted to sign for another year. Winning the One Day Cup final with my hometown club was without doubt the best day of my life and I can’t wait to try and help us win more silverware next summer."

“I’m excited to get back to training with the lads and work hard over the winter, and I look forward to seeing our fans back at Grace Road for another unforgettable season.”

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “Sam is a true clubman, who knows what it means to represent Leicestershire. Sam’s performance in the One Day Cup final demonstrated both his technical ability and his composure under pressure, and we look forward to seeing him showcase those qualities again in 2024.”

Evans follows Chris Wright, Rehan Ahmed, Rishi Patel and Tom Scriven in extending his stay at Uptonsteel County Ground in recent months.