Hampshire fast-bowler James Tomlinson has signed a one-year contract extension at the Club which will keep him at The Ageas Bowl until the end of the 2015 season.

Tomlinson’s contract was due to expire at the end of next season, but the 31-year old has now committed his future to the county for the foreseeable future.

Tomlinson said: “I love playing here - Hampshire is the only county I want to play for so I’m delighted to have signed a new contract extension at the club. I still feel I have a lot more to offer so it’s great to have signed a new deal and hopefully we can push on and do well next season.

“I’m really happy to be back training. I’m planning on making a couple of tweaks here and there over the winter so that hopefully I can have another good season and help Hampshire push for promotion in 2014.” The left-armer made an immediate impact after making his First-Class debut for Hampshire in 2002, taking 22 wickets in all competitions in his first season.

But it was the 2008 season which saw Tomlinson really make his mark as one of most exciting bowlers on the county circuit, finishing the year with 67 First-Class dismissals – more than any other player in the country.

Since that season, Tomlinson has been one of Hampshire’s most consistent performers in the four-day game, with, most notably, over 40 wickets in 2010 and 2012.

This year, the seamer finished the season in the top five bowlers in the LV= County Championship Second Division with 53 wickets at an average of 24.16.

The impressive wickets tally in 2013 was enough to see Tomlinson named as Hampshire’s Bowler of the Season.

Hampshire Director of Cricket, Giles White said: “James is Hampshire through and through and shows a genuine passion for the club and his team mates.

"We are delighted to have him around for at least the next couple of years. "He consistently puts in performances in the longer form of the game and he will have a big part to play in our bid for promotion in 2014.”