Somerset tie young seamer Ned Leonard to contract extension

The 20-year-old will continue his development at the county where he made his first-class debut in 2021

Young seamer Ned Leonard has signed a contract extension with Somerset.

The 20-year-old will continue his development at the county where he made his first-class debut in 2021.

Leonard, who has represented England at under-19 level, will stay at Somerset until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Having joined Somerset's academy in 2017, Leonard has been part of Somerset's second string so far this season.

The seamer has made two appearances in the County Championship – one in 2021 and another in 2022. His playing time last season was affected by a lower-back stress fracture injury.

"I want to play as much first-team cricket as I can, put in some good performances and keep on improving because I absolutely love playing for Somerset," he said.

^{Ned Leonard made his professional debut in 2021 (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry added: "Ned is an exciting talent and given the development that he has shown in his time with the club, we are delighted that he has agreed to extend his current contract through to at least the end of the 2024 season.

"It means so much to everyone involved here at the club when a young player progresses through the Somerset Pathway into the Somerset squad, as Ned did by joining the staff in November 2020, and it's really pleasing to see him now agree a further extension to enable him to keep progressing his career.

"His attitude and desire to improve have been outstanding and we continue to see the rewards of that work ethic, as his ability to generate lateral movement and pace move him closer to first XI selection."

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