JACK Leach has capped a memorable year by signing a two-year contract extension, which will keep him at Somerset County Cricket Club until at least the end of the 2022 season.

The 28-year-old's current contract with his hometown club was due to expire at the end of next year, but he has now committed his future to the club beyond that point.

Born and raised in Taunton, and a committed part of Taunton Deane Cricket, the spin bowler made his Somerset debut against South Africa in 2012.

Since then he has played in 67 First Class matches for the county, taking 222 wickets at an average of 25.66.

This season he took 34 wickets (average of 17.52) in nine County Championship matches as Somerset came so close to a maiden Division 1 title.

He has also made nine England Test appearances so far – taking 32 wickets (average of 26.06) – and is currently preparing for a two-match Test series in New Zealand.

Best known for his controlled spin bowling, it is with the bat that Leach has made headlines this year.

He scored 92 against Ireland at Lord's, and then a defiant one not out against Australia at Headingley, as he and Ben Stokes pulled off a miraculous Ashes Test victory.

On signing the new deal, Leach commented: “I’m very happy to sign this new contract.

"I’m a Somerset fan at heart so I’m very proud to represent the county.

"I have a great relationship with the members and fans, and I can’t thank them enough for the support they give the team and me as an individual.

“I’d also like to thank [head coach] Jason Kerr and [director of cricket] Andy Hurry for the belief they have shown in me.

"I’m looking forward to the winter and can’t wait for next season!”

Andy Hurry said: “Everyone at the club is delighted that Jack has committed his future to Somerset.

"He is an exceptional talent and a big influence in the dressing room.

"I can’t speak highly enough of him both as a player and as a man.

“He has a genuine passion for the game and in particular for Somerset.

"That shows itself every time he trains, in his diligent preparation and in his wholehearted performances every time he takes to the field.

"We feel that he has a major role to play for both Somerset and England over the forthcoming years.”

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LEACH'S Somerset team-mates Tom Banton, Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton and Roelof van der Merwe are among those vying to be picked up in the forthcoming Pakistan Super League Draft for 2020.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a list of 59 overseas players who will feature in the 'Diamond' category at the draft, 19 of those being English.

The Diamond category is the second highest in the PSL Draft, behind 'Platinum' - which features the likes of Moeen Ali, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid and Jason Roy.

The draft will take place in the first week of December, and the tournament is set to take place in February/March next year.