Gale signs new deal to lead Yorkshire forward

The former England Lions captain scored 100 for Victorian Premier League side Dandenong Panthers in their victory over Hawthorn-Monash University.

The runs came after he had signed a one-year contract extension that keeps him at Yorkshire until December, 2016 with an option of a further year.

Gale, 30, led Yorkshire to runners-up spot in the County Championship last season after steering them to promotion in the previous summer.

“I am delighted to sign a contract extension,” said the batsman, who became Yorkshire’s youngest professional captain at 26 in December, 2009.

“Playing cricket for Yorkshire has never been a job to me but a passion and I could never see myself playing for anyone else.

“I’m now entering my 12th year as a professional at the club and my fifth year as captain and although I’m not looking at finishing any time soon, I want to finish my career at Yorkshire.

“I feel over the last few years the club has made some huge strides forward. We have an excellent structure throughout the club with some great people working very hard behind the scenes. The icing on the cake is to now win some trophies.

“Last year did hurt, not getting over the line and winning the County Championship, but that is in the past now.

“I’m excited by the squad we have. We have a great mixture of experience and youth, and the work ethic within the squad is second to none. Everyone will continue to strive to improve and play the brand of cricket that Yorkshire deserves.”

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon, added: “It is great news that Andrew has pledged his future to the club. As a captain, he is growing year-by-year and is highly respected in the dressing room. He leads by example on the field and will always give everything he has for the county. He is the essence of a Yorkshire cricketer and I’m confident that he can lead us to glory over the next few seasons.

“His experience is invaluable for all players in our pursuit of sustained success.”

Gale made his first-class debut in June, 2004 against Somerset at Scarborough and has played 111 first-class matches, scoring over 6,000 runs, including a career-best 272 against Nottinghamshire at Scarborough last year.