TOM Lammonby has become the fifth Somerset cricketer to put pen to paper on a contract extension in recent days, joining Josh Davey, Lewis Goldsworthy, James Hildreth and Jack Leach in committing his future to the club.

Lammonby's existing contract was due to expire at the end of the 2021 season, but this extension sees him stay at the Cooper Associates County Ground until at least the end of the 2023 campaign.

The 20-year-old left-handed batsman came up through the Devon age groups before joining the Somerset Academy in 2015, and signing his first professional contract in 2018.

He enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2020, making his First Class debut in Somerset's Bob Willis Trophy opener against Glamorgan, and going on to score 459 runs (at an average of 51); only Sir Alastair Cook and Josh Libby scored more runs in the competition last year.

After signing his extension, Lammonby said: “I’m honoured to have signed a contract extension with the club that I supported throughout my childhood and still support now.

"It’s great to have the opportunity to play for a club alongside people that I’ve looked up to for 20 years.

"I’m very excited to see what the next few years will hold.

“2020 was obviously a very strange year, but it’s one that I will definitely look back on with a lot of pride.

"It was a bit of a surprise to play last year, so to get my opportunity and to then make the most of it was really pleasing.

"Hopefully, that will continue, and we can keep winning games of cricket down here in Taunton and keep pushing for titles and silverware.”

“It certainly wasn’t a hard decision for me, and I just can’t wait to get out there and play.

"I love playing for Somerset and I love the team that we have here.

"The club is built around players who come through the Academy and you can really see that in the 1st XI now.

"It’s a great team environment to be a part of, and it’s a very exciting time for me as a player and for us as a club.

“It’s a very proud moment for me and it’s the sort of thing that dreams are made of.”

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “We have made it clear over the last few years that retaining the services of our high-quality home-grown players is one of our key priorities, and therefore we are delighted that Tom has extended his time with us.

"Last season he demonstrated his potential, transitioned seamlessly into the red-ball team and showed genuine quality.

“To come into the 1st XI and to dominate experienced attacks in the manner in which he did was extremely impressive to watch.

"He also offers a great deal with the ball and in the field.

"He has an outstanding attitude and approaches everything that he does with an infectious enthusiasm, and we feel he is a player with a very high ceiling.”

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LEWIS Gregory, meanwhile, is just one win away from appearing in the Big Bash League final, after Brisbane Heat defeated Sydney Thunder in their latest play-off match.

The Thunder were restricted to 158-8, as Mark Steketee (2-22) and Mitchell Swepson (2-28) struck; Gregory went for 0-13 off his one over bowled, but did take a catch to dismiss Alex Hales.

The Somerset all-rounder wasn't needed to bat, as the Heat won by seven wickets, largely thanks to the unbeaten pair of Sam Heazlett (74*) and Jimmy Peirson (43*), having recovered from 14-2.

The Heat now face Perth Scorchers in 'The Challenger' match on Thursday, for a place in Saturday's final against Sydney Sixers.