SOMERSET starlet Tom Banton has signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him in Taunton until at least 2022.

Banton, whose current deal was due to run out next season, has been one of county cricket's breakout stars this season, scoring 549 runs in the Vitality Blast and 454 in Somerset's victorious Royal London One-Day Cup campaign.

He has also played eight County Championship games, scoring 525 runs at an average of 35.

His batting style has drawn comparisons with Kevin Pietersen and further honours - be it franchise T20 tournaments and/or England call-ups - seem a matter of when, not if.

Banton said: “I always wanted to stay here. I love this place and I love the boys in the dressing room.

“I’ve been given freedom throughout this year and it’s always nice to be able to go out to bat without feeling any pressure.

“The support we get here is incredible. It doesn’t matter if it’s a four-day game or a T20, we always get good crowds.

“What a year it’s been.

"It was great to win the Royal London One-Day Cup and hopefully we can continue our push for the Championship in the next two games.”

Director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured Tom to the Club for an additional two years,”

“He is an undoubted talent and his performances across all three formats this season have clearly made a positive impact on our cricket.

“During his time on the Academy it was clear to see that he had an abundance of talent. To see the progress he has made through to the first XI has been extremely pleasing.

“It’s not just been about the volume of his runs, it’s also been the manner in which they have been accumulated. He has taken bowling attacks apart in white ball cricket and contributed some significant Championship runs in the middle order.

“He is a very exciting talent and we look forward to supporting his development over the next few years and to his performances contributing to Somerset winning more silverware.”