IT'S all been good news from Somerset County Cricket Club over the last few days with the announcements that both young batters James Rew and one day captain Lewis Gregory have signed new deals with the club and the signing of fast bowler Jake Ball from Nottinghamshire.

None of this news has come as a shock, but until the deals have been agreed and signed you can never be sure.Batting startlet Rew, who has also taken over the four day wicket keeping duties, was head and shoulders Somerset’s best batter in the LV=championship, scoring 1086 runs, 350 more than anyone else, at an average of 57.16  which included five centuries and a best of 221.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore was the next highest run maker with 735 at an average of 38.68, with one century and a best of 130. Rew, who has played up through the county age groups before joining the Academy, was the stand out player in 2023, so it was imperative that he strayed at Taunton.

Hopefully the youngsters achievements will be recognised with a place on the England Lions' overseas tourLewis Gregory was once again an inspirational captain in the T20 and led the side to victory at Edgbaston on that never to be forgotten July evening. 

Having made his debut back in 2010, the 31 year old seems to have lost none of his enthusiasm and hunger for the game and in red ball cricket he was the leading wicket taker for the Cidermen, claiming 34 wickets at 21 apiece and scoring 343 runs at an average of over 31, while in the T20 he took 15 wickets at under 19 each and scored 189 runs at an average of 27.

The signing of Jake Ball from Nottinghamshire on a two year deal looks like a good move by the cricket bosses. Ball is a tall right arm fast bowler with a proven track record,  having played for England 24 times in all formats and taken 26 wickets.

In first class cricket he has captured more than 200 wickets at an average of 29.38 with a best of six for 49.In white ball cricket the 32 year old has taken over 150 wickets at 22.33 with a best of four for 11, and 118 List A wickets at 33.76 with a best of five for 51.

The 2023 campaign may only just be over, but already thoughts of all Somerset supporters are looking towards the upcoming season that will get underway in early April, which after all is only just a few months away!