SOMERSET CCC spinner Jack Leach has retained an England Central Contract for another year of cricket.

He has been given a One Year Central Contract that will run until October 24 and joins Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Ben Foakes, Dawid Malan, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes and Reece Topley on the same contract.

In the year just gone, Somerset seamer Craig Overton was given a Pace Development Contract however has not been given one for 2024.

The system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while recognising performances in the preceding year.

Multi-year contracts have been awarded for the first time since central contracts were established in 2000. The ECB has worked closely with the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Team England Player Partnership on behalf of the players to reach an outcome for all parties.

In total, 29 players have received Central Contract offers – 18 England Multi-Year Central Contracts, eight England Annual Central Contracts, and three England Development Contracts.

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: “We are rewarding those players who we expect to make a significant impact over the coming years playing for England.

“It is great news and a credit to the players for demonstrating their commitment to English cricket in the ever-changing landscape of the sport.

“I would like to congratulate all the players who have been offered contracts. They will play a pivotal role in England’s efforts over the next few years.”