PROMISING youngster Lewis Goldsworthy has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Somerset County Cricket Club until at least the end of the 2023 season.

This new deal for the 20-year-old follows the news that Josh Davey, James Hildreth and Jack Leach had all committed their future to Taunton.

It also guards against Goldsworthy following in the footsteps of another 20-year-old, Nathan Gilchrist, who opted to leave Somerset and join a County Championship rival (Kent) last year.

Goldsworthy, a right-handed batsman and left-arm spin bowler, came up through the Cornwall Player Pathway before joining Somerset's Academy in 2016.

He impressed with England Under-19s at last year's World Cup, and made his Somerset 1st XI debut in the T20 Blast.

The all-rounder made an immediate impact, scoring 38* from 29 balls and taking 2-24 against Glamorgan.

Upon signing his contract extension, Goldsworthy said: "I’m really excited to be a part of this squad for another few years.

"We’ve got a really exciting group here at the moment with a nice mix of youth players and quality experienced professionals, so hopefully we can build on last year and go one better in the Championship.

"As I said when I signed my first contract, this is like a dream come true because I grew up supporting the club and watching the games here in Taunton.

"Obviously, I played some games last year, but it wasn’t in front of any crowds.

"Hopefully, we might be able to get the members and supporters back in this summer, because the crowds that we get here are really good and they get right behind the team."

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry commented: "Lewis is a player of considerable promise, and he demonstrated that last year.

"To perform in the manner that he did on his debut showed not only his talent but his mental fortitude.

"His journey is going to be an exciting one and we are extremely pleased that we are going to be playing a further part in that moving forward."

Head of the Somerset Talent Pathway Steve Snell said: "It was fantastic for Lewis to get his opportunity and he really showed what he can do with the bat, with the ball and in the field.

"He’s a three-dimensional cricketer and he’s going to further improve, which is so exciting for the club and our supporters."