HAMPSHIRE wicket-keeper and batter Ben Brown will remain at Utilita Bowl until at least the end of the 2025 season.

Since joining Hampshire from Sussex in 2022, Brown has featured 66 times across the County Championship and One Day Cup and received his county cap in 2023.

In his first season with the club, he was named Red Ball Batter of the Year after he made 969 runs at an average of 38.66, where he also finished third on the dismissals chart with 43.

At Canterbury in 2023, Brown was part of a new record fifth-wicket stand for the club, when he shared 273 runs with Liam Dawson.

Brown said: “I feel very happy to have signed another contract at Hampshire, I have loved my time playing here and I’m excited to see what this squad can achieve next season.

“Each year is special when you reach this stage of a career and I’m looking forward to contributing to the club pushing for trophies next season.”

One of the most experienced keeper-batters in the country, Brown hit two career-best scores in 2024.

He first made 165* against reigning County Champions, Surrey, at Utilita Bowl, then scored 139* against Northamptonshire in the opening fixture of the One-Day Cup, also at Utilita Bowl.

Brown ended the 50-over competition as Hampshire’s leading run scorer, with 286 to his name at an average a shade under 36.

Giles White, director of cricket, added: “Ben is a fantastic player. He has high standards and a will to win that keeps driving the team forward.

“His ability behind the stumps coupled with his batting makes him an extremely valuable player."