Hampshire: Liam Dawson & Adam Wheater sign new contracts

Dawson made his first-class debut in 2007

All-rounder Liam Dawson and keeper Adam Wheater have signed new three-year contracts with Hampshire.

Dawson, 24, went past 1,000 first-class runs in a season for the first time last summer.

He told BBC Radio Solent: "I've been at Hampshire since I was 10, so it's a club I love playing for."

Wheater, also 24, told the club website: "It's really pleasing that the club see me as an important figure for the next three years."

Wicketkeeper batsman Wheater joined Hampshire in March 2013 after buying himself out of his contract at Essex.

Meanwhile Dawson, who has missed the last two months of the season with a groin injury, says he is indebted to the support of the club, especially director of cricket Giles White.

"Obviously I'm very happy," Dawson added. "I've played in all the age groups, so it's very rewarding to get a three-year deal.

"In the time I've been here, we've been successful and, to be honest, I don't want to leave Hampshire if I don't have to, so I was happy to sign.

"We have been successful and if we keep the squad together then we can be a massive force in county cricket.

"It's been a nightmare with the injury, but Giles White has shown faith in me and I'd like to think I'm starting to become the cricketer I want to be."