Gareth Roderick signs Gloucestershire contract extension

Wicketkeeper-batsman Gareth Roderick has signed a contract extension at Gloucestershire until 2016.

The 22-year-old South African was promoted from the second XI this year and averaged 44.33 with the bat in first-class cricket.

He was also first-choice behind the stumps in all forms of the game.

"For a player who had basically been playing amateur cricket, Gareth has enjoyed an outstanding season," said director of cricket John Bracewell.

"He was only a part-time wicketkeeper and his skills in that regard have improved immensely with the guidance of our specialist coach Jonathan Batty.

"His batting has also progressed to such an extent that he has moved up the order and shown himself capable of filling any position."

Roderick joined Gloucestershire on an two-year contract in 2012 after impressing for Cheltenham in the West of England Premier League.

His only previous experience of first-class cricket came in his home country where he played 12 matches.