Rikki Clarke signs new deal with Warwickshire

Clarke (centre) played two Tests and 20 ODIs for England

Rikki Clarke has signed a new two-year contract with County Championship challengers Warwickshire.

The former England international all-rounder, 29, moved to Warwickshire in September 2008 after stints with Surrey and Derbyshire.

He had been strongly linked with Sussex, but will now stay at Edgbaston.

"It's excellent news that Rikki has committed himself as he is such an important member of our squad," said Bears director of cricket Ashley Giles.

"We have some crucial games ahead and our eyes are fixed on the title."

Clarke has scored over 400 runs and taken nearly 40 wickets in Warwickshire's challenge for the Championship title in 2011.

He also equalled a first-class world record of seven catches for an outfield player against Lancashire at Liverpool.

With three games to play, the Bears are three points behind the leaders Lancashire in the race for the title.