Former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell is to continue his Gloucestershire career for a 24th year after agreeing an extension to his contract up to the end of 2005.

Gloucestershire player-coach Mark Alleyne explained the club's decision to retain the 40-year-old's services.

"Jack is still the best in the business, is our best option for wicketkeeper-batsman and deserves another year," said Alleyne.

Gloucestershire will again be without both their overseas players for the game against Warwickshire in the Frizzell County Championship.

Pakistan internationals Shoaib Malik and Shabbir Ahmed have yet to arrive in England, although it is hoped they will be available for the next round of matches.

Player-coach Mark Alleyne, who sat out the defeat by Kent two weeks ago, has named himself in a 13-man squad.

Roger Sillence is also included, but he is expected to be omitted from the final XI.

today's FIXTURES

(11 unless stated)

Frizzell County Championship Division One (day 1 of 4), The Brit Oval: Surrey v Northamptonshire; Edgbaston: Warwickshire v Gloucestershire; New Road: Worcestershire v Sussex; Division Two (day 1 of 4), Derby: Derbyshire v Durham; Chelmsford: Essex v Somerset; The Rose Bowl: Hampshire v Leicestershire; Trent Bridge: Notts v Yorkshire.