Somerset sign Renshaw as overseas replacement for Bancroft

Bancroft was due to join Somerset but in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, it was announced that the batsman would not represent the club

Matt Renshaw has signed for Somerset as an overseas player for the 2018 season, replacing his fellow Australian Cameron Bancroft.

Bancroft was due to join the club but in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, Somerset announced that the batsman would no longer be joining the county.

The 22-year-old will be available to feature for the county up until June 30, and then return for the remainder of the season on the 19th of August.

The opener has played 11 Tests for his country, scoring 636 runs at 33.47. His first-class career has yielded 2,522 runs at 39.40.

Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry said: “It has been important for us to act swiftly, but to remain pragmatic in identifying the best fit for our needs and I am delighted that we have signed Matt.

“Coming to us off the back of a title winning Sheffield Shield season and having made a number of significant contributions with the bat, including three hundred’s in the last five games, he will be arriving with us with a huge amount of confidence.

“He is a player who is highly driven to succeed and has demonstrated the ability to bat for long periods of time, but he also has the ability to move through the gears.

“He is a player of quality, is on an upward trajectory and we feel that he will certainly flourish in our environment."

Renshaw said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to play alongside some very experienced players and the exciting young talent that is coming through at Taunton.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Club and I understand that I will be following in the footsteps of some outstanding Australian batsmen. It will be a new challenge for me but it’s one that I’m really looking forward to."