TWO Somerset players have been names in the England touring party to play in the Test Match series against India in January 2024.

England’s number one spinner Jack Leach, who was missing for much of last season with a back injury is now fully fit, is joined by 20 year old Shoaib Bashir who has made quite an impression during 2023.

Shoaib was born in Surrey and after initially being part of his home county’s Academy came to Somerset's attention while playing for Berkshire Under 18s and he subsequently played in two 2nd X1 Championship fixtures in September 2022, taking nine wickets with a best of 5 for 44 versus Warwickshire. On the strength of those performances he was offered a contract in 2023

He made his Somerset debut in all three formats, playing in a total of 18 matches.

The tall off spinner played in six first class matches in which he bowled 203 overs, 50 of which were maidens and claimed 10 wickets at 67 with a best of three for 67, while in his five T20 games he took four wickets at 23.50 with a best of three for 26.

Meanwhile, the Cidermen have announced they have signed 24 year old Australian seamer Will Sutherland as their overseas player for the first part of the 2024 season.

Will captains Victoria in first class cricket and in the 37 matches that he has played he has taken 115 wickets at an average of 25.32 with a best of 67, in addition to which he has hit a first class century.