SOMERSET batter Will Smeed has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Cooper Associates County Ground at least until the end of the 2023 season.

Smeed, who signed his first professional contract ahead of the 2021 season, made his debut for the Somerset Under 10s in 2010 as an eight-year-old and worked his way through the Somerset age group sides before joining the Somerset Academy in 2016.

During his time with the Academy, he made his Second XI debut against Middlesex at Taunton Vale at the age of just 15 in 2017.

The following year he scored his maiden Second XI hundred in the game against Sussex when he posted 116, going on to make his England U19 T20 and ODI debuts in 2019.

A graduate of Kings College, Taunton, where he was also awarded the Provost’s Prize for academia, he started his club cricket at Glastonbury CC when playing for their Under 8s, where he worked his way through to their First XI before joining Bridgwater CC in 2018 where he made an immediate impact for his new side by hitting 106 not out.

Smeed made his Somerset bow in the Vitality Blast against Worcestershire at Taunton in 2020 and has since established himself as a key member of the club’s T20 side.

He has amassed over 640 runs in his 25 T20 matches at an average of 29.31 with a best of 82 at an impressive strike rate of 138.11.

After signing his contract extension, Smeed said: “I’ve loved my first full season at Somerset, so it was a no brainer for me to extend when the opportunity arose.

"There’s a great atmosphere at the club and I feel as though we are all building towards something special.

“I have built some great relationships with the players and coaches and am looking forward to developing these further over at least the next two years.”

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry is pleased to have retained the services of such a talented young player.

“It’s great news for everyone associated with the club that Will has signed this extension.

“Throughout his time on the Pathway, our coaches have always been impressed by his ability and approach to the game, and it’s been great to see him progress to represent the First XI and go on to establish himself within the Vitality Blast team.

“He has gone on to undertake numerous global white-ball tournament experiences, and I know he is really focused on making a name for himself across all formats of the game and has the ambition to make it to the very top.

"There is no doubt that he has the potential to have a long and prosperous career and we are really pleased that we will continue to have the opportunity to support those aspirations moving forward.”