SOMERSET County Cricket Club has confirmed that former captain Tom Abell has put pen to paper on a contract extension that will keep him in Taunton for two more years.

The 29-year-old has signed on until the end of the 2026 season meaning fans will get to see one of their favourites at the Cooper Associates County Ground for the foreseeable.

Abell's current deal was set to expire at the end of 2024.

Speaking on the contract extension, Abell said: “Obviously, I’m delighted to be extending my stay with the Club. There’s been a bit of a change in the last month or so, but I can now just focus on playing and getting the best out of myself for Somerset.

“I’m a Somerset boy and when I was young, I dreamt of playing for the Club. I’ve been fortunate to grow up here, and watching Somerset was inspirational for me as a kid. I’ve been lucky enough to represent the Club for almost 10 years, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

“Playing for Somerset means a lot to me, and I know that it means a lot to my family and friends. We experienced success last summer and we are all looking to build on that over the next few years. Hopefully, I can play my part in that.”

And Somerset's director of cricket Andy Hurry added: "Tom has become something of a talisman for Somerset over recent years.

“He is a player who epitomises everything that it means to play for the Club. He has developed into a genuinely exceptional multi-format cricketer and is more determined than ever to ensure that Somerset are competing for silverware on all fronts.

“We couldn’t be happier that he will remain at the Club that he is so passionate about for the foreseeable future.”