Paul Tweddle to lead Somerset in Royal London Cup

He has previously stepped up in Kerr’s absence when the Somerset head coach was seconded for an England Lions tour to Australia, while also filling in briefly in 2019

Paul Tweddle will lead Somerset as head coach through the Royal London Cup.

Jason Kerr, the county’s regular head coach, is set to join up with Welsh Fire as assistant to Gary Kirsten, leaving a gap for Somerset’s 50-over campaign.

Tweddle, one of the club’s assistant coaches, has been promoted to take the reins temporarily.

Andy Hurry, Somerset’s director of cricket, said: “Our philosophy has always been to recognise talent and to then give it the chance to flourish. That goes for our coaching staff as well as for our players. Paul is hugely respected by everyone at the club and within the domestic game. He has tremendous drive, enthusiasm, innovation and will to win.

“We have observed him develop over a number of years and seen him flourish with the responsibility he has been given. This has been a tremendously popular decision within the dressing room, and I am sure that our members and supporters will feel the same.

“Above all, Paul is an outstanding coach and his knowledge of the game, our players and their requirements is second to none.”

He has previously stepped up in Kerr’s absence when the Somerset head coach was seconded for an England Lions tour to Australia, while also filling in briefly in 2019.

Tweddle added: “I’m really proud to have the opportunity to step up in Jason’s absence. It’s an exciting challenge and opportunity. I love the 50-over format and the Club has a good tradition in the competition.

“I have a good knowledge of how the club operates and of the brilliant things that we are already doing. I’ll also be bringing some ideas of my own to the position.

“Ultimately, we all want to be winning games of cricket. We also want to play a great brand of cricket and I’m excited to see that develop and grow.”