SHOAIB Bashir, who joined Somerset ahead of the 2023 season, has joined Derbyshire.

During his time with Somerset, the 22-year-old spinner featured in 23 matches for the club across the three formats, taking 21 wickets and

became a regular in the England squad, playing in 19 Tests.

Andy Hurry, the Somerset director of cricket, said : “Although he was offered a contract extension, Shoaib has decided that his future lies away from the Cooper Associates County Ground. We respect his decision, and everyone associated with Somerset wishes him well for the future.

“It’s been a pleasure to see him develop into an international cricketer during his time with the club and he will always receive a warm welcome when he returns to Taunton. We all wish him every success with his new club Derbyshire.”

Meanwhile, former England opener Mark Stoneman has joined Somerset on an initial three-month consultancy basis and will be working with the club’s batters.

In a professional career that spanned over 15 years, Mark represented Durham, Surrey, Middlesex and Hampshire, amassing 19,864 runs across the three formats of the game.

After arriving at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Mark said: “I’m looking forward to getting among the lads and sharing some good knowledge. Hopefully, we can help them improve on the things that they’re already doing well. The aim is to maximise the performance of what is already a high performing group. This is a fantastic opportunity at a highly successful club. Hopefully, I can help bring more success to Somerset.

“Cricket has been my life since I was about four years old and during the last few winters I’ve had an eye on the coaching side of things. I’ve been learning about myself as a coach by doing some individual coaching and working with Middlesex Women. I’ve also worked with the Hampshire professionals and age group players, and it’s been a positive progression so far.

“I’m looking forward to working with the players and finding out what works for them and what makes them tick. It’s important that their thought processes are matching up with what’s happening on the physical front. Everyone has their own unique way of doing things and the key is to help enable the players to flourish as individuals so that they are playing to the best of their ability. You can then bring that together within the collective so that we have the batting unit that the team needs.”

Somerset CCC head coach Jason Kerr added: “We’ve been looking for someone to replace Shane Burger (former SCCC batting coach), and we are extremely fortunate that someone of Mark’s calibre is available to step into that role.

“Mark had an incredible playing career, and his record speaks for itself. He’s got international experience and has vast experience of the domestic game. That’s just a small part of what he will bring. He will be able to support the players mentally and help them with their own individual methods.”

The head coach added: “Mark has been on a coaching journey over the years. He’s been coaching privately and has worked with young players as well as vastly experienced pros. He will certainly be a great addition to the coaching staff at the club.”