CRAIG Miles is looking forward to living the dream as a full-time sportsman after extending his deal with Gloucestershire.

The 18-year-old former Corsham bowler, who lives in Purton, signed a two-year extension to his deal at Nevil Road last week and after completing his studies at Filton College in Bristol, is ready to commit to life as a full-time cricketer.

Miles, who has a handful of first team appearances under his belt since making his debut against Northamptonshire in the County Championship in May 2011, featured mainly for Gloucestershire’s second XI this summer but hopes to break into first class affairs more regularly next season.

“I’ve been at Gloucestershire since I was a young lad in the academy and it’s definitely a great team for young players to break into,” said Miles.

“Last summer was a bit hit and miss for me because I really wanted to concentrate on finishing my exams and the weather also didn’t help.

“But now I feel like I’m considered full-time and an adult instead of an academy player and I want to try and get in the first team.

“We’ve got a young bowling attack and they’re going to be rotated over the season, so maybe I’ll be able to get a chance.

“We’re back at the start of November. I think that I’ll just be spending a lot of time in the gym trying to get me ready for the demands of playing first class cricket. I’m excited and can’t wait to get started properly again.”

Before he adjusts to life as a full-time sportsman, Miles also revealed that he has some growing up to do when he moves out of home later this month.

He added: “I’m moving to Bristol with one of the other lads, so I won’t be commuting any more.

“Moving out is always an important thing for anyone and I’m going to have to learn about things like cooking and washing machines. I’m sure my mum will help me out a bit though.”

Gloucestershire academy director Owen Dawkins said: “Craig played his first second XI game for us at the age of 14.

“He has developed well as a bowling all-rounder.”