SOMERSET have signed New Zealand international top order batter Henry Nicholls for the remaining six County Championship matches of 2026.

The 34-year-old will arrive in time to bolster the Somerset batting order for the rest of the season.

The left-hander has featured in 60 Test matches for the Black Caps, scoring 3358 runs at an average 39.50 with a best of 200 not out. In total, he has played in 141 First Class matches, amassing in excess of 9000 runs with an average of 42.51.

He has also represented his country in 92 ODIs and 10 IT20s as well as featuring in the Big Bash for Sydney Thunder.

After signing for the county, Nicholls said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to help Somerset win their first County Championship title. I’ve played in England before, so I know how much red ball cricket means to the members and supporters.

“As a cricketer, you want to test yourself in different conditions around the world and take on the best players, and this is the perfect opportunity for me to do exactly that and to help contribute to some success for Somerset, and I can’t wait to get going.”

Somerset Director of Cricket Andy Hurry is delighted to have secured a player of Nicholls’ calibre for the remainder of the season. “Henry is a batter of genuine quality and is an excellent addition to the squad,” he said. “He has played and performed at the very highest level and has a wealth of experience to add to our batting line-up.

“In addition to being a high-quality performer, his experience and knowledge of the game will certainly be of benefit to our aspiring players. We very much look forward to his contributions for the remainder of the campaign.”