Craig Kieswetter has followed in the footsteps of close friend Marcus Trescothick by agreeing a new three-year contract with Somerset.

The talented wicketkeeper-batsman, who completed a spell with the England Performance Squad out in South Africa shortly before Christmas, agreed the deal almost as soon as that trip was completed.

It will continue his relationship with Trescothick, who has been named Somerset captain for next season, and Kieswetter said: "I am delighted to have signed a new deal because I feel very passionate about the club and want to be involved at the County Ground.

"I love playing at Somerset and it's a fantastic place to be with all the tradition there is about the place. The supporters and the whole environment at Somerset make it a place that I want to be part of and I want to help to be part of creating something special.

"To have Marcus as the new captain is a massive bonus and I was very interested to hear he has signed a new long-term contract. We know each other well and have a lot of mutual respect and admiration for each other. I look forward to him leading Somerset to great things."

Kieswetter scored 1,242 runs in the LV County Championship last summer, which included four centuries at an average of 59.14, and claimed 46 victims behind the stumps. He also scored over 900 runs in one-day competitions.

"I’ve had a hectic few weeks but it has all been pretty good for me," he said. "I was really delighted to have been involved with the England Performance Programme and feel it has been really beneficial to all aspects of my game, including my skills base of batting and 'keeping, as well as lifestyle, diet and nutrition – the whole package has been a great learning experience for me."