Alex Wakely: Northants skipper extends contract until 2016

Alex Wakely led Northants to their first ever T20 title in 2013

Northants captain Alex Wakely has signed a new contract until the end of the 2016 season.

Batsman Wakely missed the whole of the 2014 campaign with a ruptured Achilles tendon, but was appointed County Championship skipper in September.

The 26-year-old was already captain of the club's limited-overs sides.

"Personally, it's a fresh start for me and a second chance really," said Wakely, who has scored 3,387 first-class runs at an average of 28.94.

"Looking ahead, I can see no reason why the team cannot push for further honours and start to win trophies again."

As well as leading the team, Wakely is looking to improve his run-scoring contribution in all forms of the game and head coach David Ripley believes he has the ability to do so.

"I see exciting times ahead for Alex. He has shown his tactical awareness and leadership skills in our 2013 T20 win and now has the chance to manage and lead the dressing room on a daily basis," Ripley said.

"I look forward to supporting him with that and helping him back to being a heavy run scorer for us, in all formats, after his injury."