England spinner Dom Bess to leave Somerset after rejecting contract extension

The Taunton academy graduate, who has 19 Test wickets, has been linked with a move to Yorkshire for 2021 and is the latest high-profile figure to confirm his departure

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Dom Bess will leave Somerset at the end of the 2020 season in a bid to cement his position as England main spin option

The 23-year-old came through the academy system at Taunton but has not always been the first-choice spinner, with Jack Leach often preferred.

In 26 first-class outings for the club, he has taken 79 wickets and scored 757 runs. Since his England Test debut in 2016, he has claimed 19 scalps at 40.57 apiece.

"This is not a decision that I’ve taken lightly," he said. "I’ve been with Somerset since joining the academy, I’ve grown up here and some of my best friends are in the team with me.

"It’s been a really hard decision. There were good discussions with the club and they offered a contract extension, however, I think it’s the right decision in terms of needing first-team opportunities. Given the direction that I want to go with my cricket I think it’s time to move on."

The Daily Mail understands Bess will return to Yorkshire from the 2021 season, after a loan spell at Headingley last year.

He joins Jamie Overton, who is set to move to Surrey, in confirming his exit from Taunton ahead of next term.

Director of cricket Andy Hurry added: "Everyone is aware of the significant competition for places that we have within our spin bowling resources that are competing across all formats. 

"Understandably, Dom wants to play as much cricket as he possible can and we totally respect his decision to move on to another club where there are more guaranteed playing opportunities."

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