Tom Banton could skip IPL to enhance Test ambitions

The England batsman is considering opting for some red-ball cricket with Somerset after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders

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Tom Banton is considering missing the Indian Premier League to play red-ball cricket for Somerset in order to enhance his England Test credentials.

The 22-year-old was released by Kolkata Knight Riders after playing just twice in the delayed 2020 edition in the United Arab Emirates.

Banton could submit himself for the player auction scheduled for February 18, however, is keen to limit his movements in 2021.

He skipped a second stint in the Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat citing fatigue caused by time spend in bio-secure bubbles across the globe.

Currently, in the UAE for the T10 League Banton is likely to then move on to India for England's eight-match white-ball tour.

But he is unsure whether he still stay-on for the IPL which is expected to follow.

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Banton played nine times for England last summer

"Growing up as a kid the IPL was a tournament that I absolutely loved watching," he told PA.

"But I feel like I'm at a stage now where I need to be playing cricket instead of sitting on the bench.

"The last year has taught me quite a bit, obviously all these tournaments are great but a lot of them I've been sat on the sidelines and not really doing a huge amount. I miss batting and playing cricket if I'm being honest.

"I feel at this point in my career it's probably best if I play a few red-ball games for Somerset and get back into that because I do miss playing red-ball cricket and my ambition is still to play Test cricket.

"We'll have to wait and see. I still haven't decided yet, but I'm just going to speak to a few people and try to decide from there."

Due to his international commitments and restrictions on movement, Banton played just twice for Somerset last season with both appearances coming in the Bob Willis Trophy.

The domestic campaign to set to begin on April 8, with Somerset kicking off their season against Middlesex at Lord's.

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