Lees and Patterson sign extended Tykes deals

Seamer Steve Patterson has signed until December 2016 and England Lions opener Alex Lees has committed his future until December 2019.

Patterson, who hails from Beverley, has been a consistent performer over the past few seasons in Yorkshire’s rise in Championship cricket.

Last season, the 31-year-old took 36 Championship wickets at an average of 27.81.

“I’m delighted to commit my immediate future to the club,” said Patterson.

“The team is performing well and to be part of that success has been special. I want to continue contributing to the team with solid performances.

“We have a tight unit and we know after winning the Championship last year we are going to have to improve our game further to retain the title. That challenge excites us all and we will be doing all we can to continue our efforts among the elite of English cricket.”

Halifax left-hander Lees has had a stellar 12 months. Having been awarded his county cap at the back end of the 2014 campaign, the 21-year-old won the coveted Young Player of the Year accolade at both major cricket award ceremonies and is currently in South Africa with the England Lions alongside six of his Yorkshire colleagues.

“It has been an incredible year for me and signing a new contract tops it off nicely,” said Lees, who scored 971 Championship runs at an average of just over 44 and was the club’s leading run scorer in the Royal London One-Day Cup competition.

“It is a great honour to play for Yorkshire. To have that privilege over the next few years is very satisfying. I have a personal goal of continuing to test myself against all bowling attacks, scoring big runs and doing my bit to help the Club prosper.

“The sign of a great side is to be successful over a period of time. We have to build on what we achieved in 2014 and hopefully go onto dominate the Championship. The new campaign will be a test of our mental strength.

“I also believe that we have the right blend of youth and experience, especially with the signings of Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell, to make a strong push in limited overs cricket. We certainly need to improve and become a force in all formats of the game.”