SOMERSET CCC captain Tom Abell has signed a contract extension to stay with the club until the end of the 2024 season.

The 27-year-old's current deal was due to expire in the winter of 2022.

Speaking about the new contract Tom said: “Somerset is a very special place for me, and it makes me extremely proud to have signed this extension. To have the opportunity to commit my future to the Club is an incredible feeling.

“Being at Somerset means the world to me; as a young boy all I ever wanted was to play for Somerset and there’s nowhere else I want to play my cricket.

“We’ve had some amazing moments over the last few years, and I have a huge amount of belief in everything that’s happening at the Club. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this group and signing this extension means a lot to both me and my family.”

Tom, who played his club cricket for Taunton, attended Taunton School and Exeter University before signing his first professional contract in 2015.

Somerset County Gazette:

He was named Young Wisden Schools Cricketer of the Year in 2013 and went on to make his debut for the Somerset First XI in a County Championship match against Warwickshire at Taunton in 2014.

In 2017 he was awarded the captaincy ahead of the 2017 season and, at the age of 23, became one of the Club’s youngest ever captains.

Since making his debut, Tom has scored over 6700 runs and taken over 50 wickets across the three formats of the game for his home county.

Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry said it is great news that Tom has extended his contract.

“Not only is Tom Abell an outstanding cricketer, he is an outstanding team man; his desire to succeed is infectious, he never gives less than 100% and he epitomises everything that this Club stands for.

“He has an outstanding rapport and connection with his teammates, all the staff at the Club and also with our Members and supporters.

"He is Somerset through and through and we are delighted that he has committed his future to the Club.”