SOMERSET CCC’s 17-year-old Academy player Zach Vukusic created a new international cricket record when he led Croatia in their T20I bilateral home series with Cyprus.

The all rounder, who was born in Exeter and attends King’s College, Taunton, became the youngest player in history to lead an international team at the age of 17 years and 311 days. He broke the previous record of Noman Amjad who captained France at the age of 18 years and 24 days in July 2022

.In the first match of the series, which is being played at Zagreb, the all rounder hit 43 off 32 balls, including five 4s and two 6s, while in his second game he scored 23 and took two for 10 from his three overs.

Playing for Somerset Seconds this season he has claimed some impressive wickets including Colin Ingram and Ravi Bopara, both former internationals, about which he modestly said: “They were lucky balls I would say, people took good catches, I just bowled the balls so I can’t take full credit for it.”

Zach made his international debut for Croatia in 2024, as did his 19-year-old sister Erin who is also on the Somerset CCC playing staff.

Meanwhile, Somerset have just announced the formation of “The Brian & Julie Foxwell Trust” designed to support the Club in identifying, developing and inspiring high potential young cricketers across the County via the highly successful Player Pathway.

Building on the success of the existing State School Programme, this vital contribution will allow for the development of an enhanced Regional State School Programme which will provide opportunities for an additional 100 Somerset young cricketers at state schools. Focused on boys and girls in years 5, 6, and 7, it aims to unearth and develop cricketing talent, providing them with transferable skills through a comprehensive programme which emphasised potential over performance.

Brian Foxwell and his wife Julie, life-long supporters of cricket in Somerset at various levels, were longstanding members of Somerset County Cricket Club and wished to leave a legacy to assist those in state schools by providing a holistic pathway from grassroots through to the professional arena.

Somerset CCC CEO Jamie Cox said: “Somerset is the wonderful club that it is due to the quality of its people. Brian and Julie’s generosity and foresight in developing this initiative is truly wonderful and will ensure that so many more young players get to experience cricket.”

The Trust will be utilised via the Regional State School Programme and will initiate winter training, summer matches, and a summer festival, all of which will be tailored to help develop the core skills of young players in a supportive environment. This investment in quality coaching, facility use, and match organisation is designed to elevate cricket standards and inspire participants by demonstrating success routes through state education.

Ultimately, the programme seeks to diversify cricket talent sources and make the sport even more accessible.

Matt Drakeley, SCCC Director of Talent & Development who played up thorough the Minehead age groups. added: “This Bursary will provide further opportunities for those in state schools to fulfil their potential. We have seen the immense value that the State School Programme can bring. And we sincerely thank Brian for his generous contribution which will ensure that we can extend this offer for years to come.”