Nick Compton: Somerset batsman repays 'loyalty' in new deal

Nick Compton says re-signing with Somerset is his way of repaying the loyalty the club have shown to him.

The 30-year-old batsman was out of contract in the summer and had been the subject of a bid from reigning county champions Warwickshire.

But it was confirmed on Thursday that the England opener had agreed a new three-year deal at Taunton.

"I've scored a lot of runs here in the last three years, which has earned me higher honours," he told BBC Somerset.

"I think it's important that I reciprocate the loyalty they've shown to me.

"I would say I've learnt most of my top-level cricket at Somerset, so I owe a huge amount to not only the hierarchy but the players as well.

South Africa-born Compton joined Somerset from Middlesex in 2010.

His form in the 2012 season - during which he finished the Championship's top scorer with 1,191 runs and was named on the Wisden cricketer of the year list - earned him an England call up last winter.

Compton made his international debut against India in November 2012 and scored two Test centuries on the tour of New Zealand that followed.

But a poor home series against the Kiwis, during which he scored just 39 runs in four innings, led to him being replaced by Yorkshire youngster Joe Root at the top of the order for the Ashes series against Australia.

He returned to Taunton and has scored 578 runs at an average of 44.46 for Somerset in the Championship this season.

But the county, who finished runners up in Division One last term, are struggling in this year's competition - with only one win from 11 matches - and it had been suggested Compton might leave if they were relegated.

But the right-hander said: "I was just trying to keep focused on the present.

"When I came in to this season, my sights were set on keeping an England place. Unfortunately that didn't work out as planned and, after everything that happened, I just needed to get my head around it.

"People are aware I have family in London but I've enjoyed my time in Somerset. It's a great place to play, with a great set of fans, and you only have to come down here on a game day to realise what it's all about."