MATTHEW LUDDINGTON: The 19-year-old sensation has signed a one-year deal after an impressive campaign which saw him amass 1,086 runs at a remarkable average of 57.15 in County Championship Division One
James Rew has signed a contract extension with Somerset.
The 19-year-old sensation has signed a one-year deal that will see him through until the end of the 2026 season.
Rew enjoyed a stellar season in the 2023 summer, amassing 1,086 runs at a remarkable average of 57.15 in County Championship Division One, scoring a sensational double-century worth 221 against Hampshire.
Such performances earned him several accolades, including the PCA Young Player of the Year prize, a spot in the prestigious PCA Team of the Year, and a sweep of four trophies at the SCCC End of Season Awards.
Alongside his batting exploits, Rew also impressed behind the stumps completing 42 dismissals (Harry Trump/Getty Images)
His journey with the Taunton club began in the Somerset player pathway at Under-10 level, and he progressed through the emerging player programme and academy.
The talented wicketkeeper-batter made his debut against Yorkshire in August 2021 and left a mark with his exceptional performance for England in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup.
"I love playing for Somerset, and in the next few years I think we can be looking at winning the County Championship," he said.
"Everything has happened so quickly. I need to keep taking each game as it comes, not change my mindset and not get too far ahead of myself.
Somerset will be able to call on Rew's services until 2026 (Harry Trump/Getty Images)
"It seems like only yesterday that I was still at school and going on Under 19s tours. Now I'm playing for Somerset. It's happened in a flash, but I've loved every minute of it."
Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry added: "James is an outstanding talent who has excelled over the last few years. His performances and consistency with the bat and gloves have grown significantly.
"He has experienced a huge amount in a short space of time and it's absolutely vital that we continue to nurture his talent so he can achieve all of his aspirations within the game."
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