Tom Abell signs Somerset contract extension

Since making his debut in 2014, the 24-year-old has scored over 6,700 runs and taken over 50 wickets in all three formats for Somerset

Tom Abell has signed a contract extension which will keep him at Somerset until at least the end of the 2024 season.

The Somerset skipper’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2022 campaign.

Abell, who made his debut for the first XI in 2014, has scored over 6,700 runs and taken over 50 wickets in all three formats for his home county and was named captain in 2017 aged just 23.

In 2021, Abell was Somerset’s leading run-scorer in the County Championship, scoring 711 runs, including one century and four half-centuries, at an average of 39.50 and took 13 wickets. He also made six appearances as Somerset reached the T20 Blast final, scoring 295 in six innings.

Commenting on his contract extension, Abell 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.

^{Abell was Somerset's leading red-ball run-scorer in 2021}

"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. I love everything about the club, and I’m determined to keep the team moving forward and to play my part in that.

"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."

The club’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, added: "Not only is Tom Abell an outstanding cricketer, he is an outstanding team man. The way he goes about his business, both on and off the field, is exemplary. His desire to succeed is infectious, he never gives less than 100% and he epitomises everything that this club stands for.

"Tom is a genuine leader of men, and he is held in the very highest regard, not just in our dressing room, but throughout the game as a whole. He has developed into a genuinely exceptional multi-format cricketer who demonstrates all the attributes that are desirable in a player and a captain. Given these attributes, we feel that he is well on course to achieving his full international aspirations.

"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."