SOMERSET County Cricket Club have announced they have signed Maddie Russell on a short-term contract.

The left-arm seamer, who hails from Sidmouth, was included in the Somerset squad for the Metro Bank match against Hampshire recently.

The 15-year-old is a product of the Devon Pathway and joined the Somerset Women’s Academy in 2025. The King’s College student, who plays for Exeter CC, made her debut for Devon in 2025.

Maddie said: “It means the world to me. The last season in the Academy taught me so much as a cricketer and the whole team have been brilliant throughout the winter and now, I’m looking forward to adding as much as I can to the team for the Summer ahead.

“It feels a bit unreal at the minute, and it may take a little while to sink in, but I’ll make the most of every moment I get. Time in the environment with the team is invaluable and I’ll be learning and taking away everything I can. Of course I’ll be hoping to take a few wickets along the way!”

Regarding Maddie’s elevation to the First Team squad, Somerset Head Coach, Erin Osborne said: “It’ll be a great experience for her to get around this group. She has earned this opportunity as a consequence of her hard work on the Academy.”

Meanwhile Somerset’s 21 year old all rounder Josh Thomas has signed a contract extension that will see him remain at the club until the end of 2028.

Josh, made his First XI debut against Middlesex in the 2022 One-Day Cup and his First Class debut came in 2025 and his first red ball innings saw him make 86 at Essex.

In total, Josh has appeared for Somerset on 31 occasions in First Class and List A cricket, scoring over 700 runs including his career best of 136 against Yorkshire recently. His left-arm spin has also claimed six wickets. He has also represented England at Under 19 level.

After signing his contract extension, Josh said: “I’m delighted. Obviously, I’ve been playing here pretty much my whole life so it’s nice to be somewhere that feels like home. In the dressing room, on the field, working with the coaches, everything about Somerset County Cricket Club feels like home to me.

“I was pretty surprised with the opportunity I got in the County Championship towards the end of last season, but I was happy with how I did. It was nice to take the opportunity and that obviously stood me in good stead for this year.

“I just want to contribute to the team. We’ve been so successful in the past few years so it would be really nice to help the team win more trophies. It would be good to stay in the first team for as long as possible and hopefully I can get an opportunity in the Blast, but I’m trying to not look too far ahead. I worked really hard this winter, and I’m really pleased that that’s paid off.”

Director of Cricket Andy Hurry added: “Since making his First XI debut, we’ve seen a number of performances that have highlighted Josh’s potential. Those experiences have provided him with some really valuable learning opportunities, and we’ve seen him continue to grow.”