WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Daryl Mitchell has signed a long-term contract extension, committing his future to the club until the end of the 2016 season.

The Badsey-born right-hander, now aged 29, made his first-class debut for the County in May 2005 and was appointed captain of the side when Vikram Solanki resigned mid-way through the 2010 campaign.

Mitchell has risen through the ranks at New Road to become one of the club’s most senior figures and scored 6,986 first-class runs at an average of 37.55 during his career.

During the 2013 season, Mitchell, whose high score remains the superb 298 he scored against Somerset at Taunton in 2009, passed 1,000 first-class runs for the third time in his Worcestershire career.

The New Road captain also amassed 631 runs at an average of 48.53 to become the County’s leading scorer in List ‘A’ cricket this summer, including his maiden limited-overs century in Worcestershire’s impressive YB 40 victory over Sussex at Hove.

County director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “Signing our captain Daryl for three years is a major boost to the club.

“It now means we have a group of players committed long term to Worcestershire.

“This fits into our strategy of holding on to our best talent, especially a locally born player who has come through our academy system.”

Mitchell said: “I’m delighted to commit my future to the club in what is an exciting era for Worcestershire.

“It’s a great honour and privilege to play for and lead the club I supported as a boy and I’m looking forward to the next three years and beyond.”

Meanwhile, former Worcestershire skipper and fielding coach Ben Smith has been appointed first-team coach at Leicestershire.

As part of the Grace Road outfit’s restructuring of their management set-up, Phil Whitticase moved from head coach to director of cricket last month and Smith will step up from his position as batting coach.

The ex-New Road star began his coaching career with the County after calling time on his playing days in 2010.

Smith, who worked with the Worcestershire academy during his playing days, took on the fielding coach role before returning to Grace Road.