England spinner Jack Leach signs new Somerset contract

The 29-year-old, who took 10 wickets in England’s Test series victory over Sri Lanka during the last fortnight, will remain at his home county until at least the end of the 2024 season

England left-arm spinner Jack Leach has signed a contract extension with Somerset.

The 29-year-old, who took 10 wickets in England’s Test series victory over Sri Lanka during the last fortnight, will remain at his home county until at least the end of the 2024 season.

His deal had been due to expire at the end of 2022, but the added future security comes in the same winter as England teammate Dom Bess’ departure for Yorkshire.

Leach has spent his entire first-class career with Somerset, during which time he has taken more than 240 wickets for the club, with Taunton now a favourable venue for spin bowling.

Andy Hurry, the club’s director of cricket, said: “To put it in simple terms, Jack Leach is an outstanding cricketer. Not only is he a bowler of the very highest calibre, he is also exactly the kind of character you want in your team environment.

“His drive and determination to succeed are second to none and his will to win is unquestionable. We all saw that in his performance with the bat at Headingley in the last Ashes series.

^{Jack Leach has taken more than 240 first-class wickets for Somerset}

“What people don’t see is the amount of hard work that he puts in behind the scenes. His training ethic is exemplary, and he is always willing to go that extra mile to help the younger players within the squad.

“Jack has had to overcome a number of hurdles during the last few years and on every occasion he has come back stronger and better. He sets a great example, and I am delighted that we will continue to see him representing the club that means so much to him.”

Leach is the latest player to sign on at Somerset, following in the recent examples of stalwart James Hildreth and Scottish seamer Josh Davey.

Somerset chief executive Gordon Hollins explained: “In the current environment it is challenging for the club to balance essential financial prudence with maintaining the great progress the club has made on the field in recent years.

“The success enjoyed by several players who have developed through the south-west cricket pathway in recent years is a real inspiration to many young cricketers in the region.

“There is no finer example of this than Jack Leach and I am delighted we have been successful in securing his services for another four years.”

^{Image credit: Sri Lanka Cricket}