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 Cricket Academy, signed his first professional contract for Gloucestershire in 2016.

Hankins, who was the top run scorer for Gloucestershire in the 2018 Royal London One-Day Cup, scored 291 runs at an average of 58.20. He started the 50 over campaign with an impressive 85 runs in the victory against Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens, with a convincing first wicket partnership of 147 runs with Gloucestershire skipper Chris Dent.

He made a high score of 92 off 120 balls in the loss against 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, this would see him miss the remainder of the season.

On signing a contract extension, George 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 that George has extended his contract with Gloucestershire. He has continued to develop over the past seasons and I'm delighted that he can continue to progress with us.”