TOM Abell has been announced as Somerset CCC's new captain, with figures at the club believing the 22-year-old can lead them for the next decade, writes Richard Walsh.
The top order batsman, a Taunton and Somerset boy through and through, has scored runs at every level he has played and broke all the records whilst at Taunton School.
In 2012 he skippered the First XI and scored 1,156 runs as a result of which he was named as Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year.
Abell played up through the Somerset age groups and first appeared for the Second XI in 2010.
He graduated through the Academy and made his championship debut against Warwickshire at Taunton in 2014 when he scored 95 runs.
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The following season Abell scored 726 first class runs that included his then best 131 against Hampshire at Taunton and a then best 80 against Yorkshire in the Royal London One Day Cup at Scarborough, as a result of which he was named as the LV Breakthrough Player of the Year.
In 2016 the young opener scored two championship centuries including a new career best of 135 against Lancashire at Old Trafford and his maiden List A hundred.
Some may think that Abell is too young for the job, but those close to him say he is a very level headed character and little seems to unsettle him, which is clearly apparent when he goes out to bat - whatever the situation he is facing.
Abell will be given maximum support by those senior professionals around him, one of whom is local hero Pete Trego, who made his senior debut back in 2000.
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The all rounder said: "This is fantastic news and while it's been good having overseas captains in the past, I think the club really thrives and has a great identity when people home grown players like Marcus (Trescothick) and now Tom take over the captaincy.
"It’s a short term fix having an overseas guy for maybe one or two years but Tom is the guy who can captain this club for the next decade.
"That is a great thing moving forward and we are all keen to get behind him and support him.
"He is a fantastic guy and a fantastic player and someone who I am looking forward to following.
Trego added: "Tom has got very pure intentions and is very passionate about the club, and I am sure he will lead us into the right direction and do it with a lot of class."
The club is sure that Abell will give the job 100 per cent, and even though he will be one of the youngest captains that Somerset has ever had, his appointment is certainly one made with the long term in mind.
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