RYAN Stevenson admits he feels "very fortunate" to have signed a new contract extension at Hampshire.

The paceman has been awarded a fresh deal which will see him remain at the Ageas Bowl until at least the end of 2021.

A sharp right-armer seamer, Stevenson joined the club in 2015 after catching the eye of director of cricket, Giles White, at a minor counties match for Devon.

He immediately impressed for the club’s second XI before making his first-team debut in a crucial County Championship fixture against Durham that summer.

Stevenson continued to progress in 2016, making his List-A debut against Essex Eagles in the Royal London One Day Cup, until a significant back injury cut-short his second season and also reduced any involvement in the following 2017 campaign.

He bounced back excellently in 2018 though, contributing in excellent performances across 10 Vitality Blast fixtures and throughout the summer for Hampshire second XI, before leading the Hampshire second XI attack which claimed the Championship title, including a five-wicket haul in the competition final, in 2019.

He also made appearances in the Vitality Blast and County Championship that year, recording a career-best and maiden first-class fifty against Surrey.

In a truncated 2020 campaign, Stevenson featured prominently once again, providing a reliable option with the ball in two Bob Willis Trophy fixtures and nine Vitality Blast contests.

Stevenson said: “In what has been such a different and tough year for so many people, I feel very fortunate to continue my journey at Hampshire in 2021.

"I’m looking forward to continue working hard on my game this winter and into next year, and hopefully I can contribute as much as possible to help the team moving forward.”

Giles White, director of cricket, added: “It’s been excellent to see Ryan’s growth and progress over the last five years.

"He has continued to develop and improve his game in that time whilst contributing to the club both on and off the field and he’s a valued member of our group - we’re really pleased he’s signed a new extension with us.”