SOMERSET keeper/batter Jess Hazell has signed a one -year contract extension which will see her remain at Taunton until at least the end of the 2026 season.

The 21-year-old University of Exeter student played up through the County’s Age Group system and made her Somerset debut in 2019. Two years later she was an ever-present for the County in the T20 competition.

Jess was selected onto the Western Storm Academy in 2021 and made her full debut for Storm in 2024 against South East Stars at the Cooper Associates County Ground in the Rachel Heyhoe-Flint Trophy.

In 2025 Jess featured in two Metro Bank One Day Cup matches for Somerset, scoring 110 runs at an average of 55. She also represented the club in five Vitality Blast fixtures and kept wicket for the Somerset CCC Mixed XI in 150th anniversary match at Sidmouth in August.

Jess said: “I’m really excited to have signed a new contract because I thoroughly enjoyed my first season. It’s an absolute privilege to have been a part of the first professional Somerset Women squad and it’s something I’ll never forget.

“I would like to play a key role for the team in 2026 and contribute to as many wins as possible. We’re determined to put in the hard work this winter so that we can be challenging for silverware and medals next summer.”

Somerset Director of Cricket Andy Hurry added: “We’ve seen real growth in both her glove work and batting over the past year plus she’s demonstrated the ability to compete at this level. Her innings and maiden 50 against Essex earlier in the season is a great example of that.”

He added: “This extension to her contract gives Jess a great opportunity to continue with that hard work and develop her game.”