After lead spinner Jack Leach put pen to paper on a new two-year contract, Somerset received a major shot in the arm on Thursday (November 14). The new deal will see the 28-year-old stay at the club at least until the end of the 2022 season.
Born and raised in Taunton, local-boy Leach developed through the Somerset Under-17 and Second XI before he made his senior first-team debut against South Africa in 2012. Leach has played 67 first-class games for the county where he has claimed 222 wickets with an average of 25.66.
Leach made his Test debut for England in Christchurch last year against New Zealand and exploded into the limelight earlier this summer when he scored 92 at Lord’s against Ireland.
He was the partner of Ben Stokes when the latter led England to an outstanding chase in an Ashes Test a couple of months ago in Leeds.
Andy Hurry, Somerset Director of Cricket, said, “Everyone at the Club is delighted that Jack has committed his future to Somerset. He is an exceptional talent and a big influence in the dressing room. I can’t speak highly enough of him both as a player and as a man.”
He added, “He has a genuine passion for the game and in particular for
Somerset. That shows itself every time he trains, in his diligent preparation and his wholehearted performances every time he takes to the field. We feel that he has a major role to play for both Somerset and England over the forthcoming years.”
