HAMPSHIRE Cricket's batter Joe Weatherley has signed a one-year contract extension to remain at Utilita Bowl until at least the end of 2025.

Weatherley was born in Winchester and is another product of Hampshire’s successful youth system, having made his debut during the 2016 season.

He secured a regular place in the side during the 2018 season, scoring 772 runs across all formats including first centuries in both the County Championship and the victorious Royal London Cup campaign.

After signing his deal, Weatherley, 27, said: “It feels awesome to have signed a contract extension, Hampshire feels very much like home.

“I first pulled on a Hampshire shirt when I was nine and I'm really looking forward to next season.”

Weatherley has shone in white-ball cricket as a vital member of the Hampshire Hawks T20 Blast side. In 2022 he contributed 347 runs as the Hawks were crowned champions for the third time.

The following season his white-ball prowess excelled once again in the Vitality Blast, hitting 379 runs at an average of 42 as the Hawks made it to a third consecutive Finals Day.

Weatherley was the leading run scorer for the Hawks in 2024 with 324 runs at an average of 36 and a top score of 68 not out against Sussex at Utilita Bowl. The right-hander also featured three times in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, with a top score of 93 against Derbyshire.

From 2021-2023, no one scored more middle-order runs in the Vitality Blast than Weatherley. His 1104 besting Warwickshire’s Sam Hain (1027) and Middlesex’s Leus Du Plooy (1024).

Signed by Southern Brave in 2023, Weatherley made a century against Surrey at Guildford on his return to the One-Day Cup squad, as he helped the team reach a third 50-over final in five years.

Giles White, Hampshire's director of cricket, added: “It’s great that Joe has extended his stay.

"He’s a valued member of the squad and has been a consistent performer in the middle order of our T20 side over a number of years.”