BOLTON cricketer Callum Parkinson has been rewarded with a contract extension by Leicestershire County Cricket Club keeping him at the Uptonsteel County Ground until at least the end of the 2023 season.

The slow left armer has also been installed as Colin Ackermann’s number two as he takes on the role of vice-captain heading into the 2021 season.

Parkinson, who is the twin brother of Lancashire and England's Matt Parkinson, ended 2020’s Blast season top of the Foxes’ bowling averages with a joint-highest total of 10 wickets, at a cost of 21 runs each, with an incredible economy rate of 6.56.

He also had a fine Bob Willis Trophy campaign, claiming eight wickets at 24 with an economy of just 2.4.

Upon signing his contract extension and agreeing to become vice-captain, Parkinson said: “I am very honoured and humbled to be named vice-captain under Colin Ackermann.

“I am delighted with the news and really pleased with the faith that Sean [Jarvis], Nico [Paul Nixon], and the Club have shown in me.

“We have had a quite change in group during my time at the Club, we have lost a lot of senior players recently, and it’s time for me to grow up and take a bit of responsibility within the group.

“I am massively delighted with it. I look forward to assisting Colin [Ackermann], and help move the Club forward.

“There is a good identity coming with the Club at the minute, with the Running Foxes and the new breed, and there is a genuine belief that we can do some special things moving forward.”

Head coach Paul Nixon said: “We’re delighted that Callum has signed a new deal and become our vice-captain too.

"Callum is a highly valued and respected member of our group, and we saw him continue to perform consistently and show growth throughout the 2020 season.

“He is a player that others look up to and we feel that now is the time for Callum to take on a leadership role. It will only help his development as a fine slow left arm spin bowler in all formats, and he is also highly capable with the bat.”