Somerset stick with Leach

England spinner Jack Leach has signed a two-year contract extension with Somerset to stay at the County Ground until 2022. It is Leach’s second new deal with the county in 10 months after, earlier this year, he had committed himself to Somerset until 2020. The 28-year-old enjoyed a largely successful summer with England, for whom he has claimed 32 wickets in nine Tests since his debut in 2018. Leach took 12 wickets in four Ashes Tests against Australia, but one of the most memorable images of the English sporting summer was of him cleaning his glasses while batting alongside Ben Stokes during the epic third Ashes Test win at Headingley. Apart from that iconic one not out in support of Stokes, he has also contributed plenty with the bat – including 92 as a nightwatchman opener against Ireland in July. “He is an exceptional talent and a big influence,” Somerset’s director of cricket Andy Hurry said. “He has a major role to play for both Somerset and England over the forthcoming years.” Since making his debut for Somerset in 2012, Leach has taken 222 wickets at an average of 25.66 in 67 first-class matches for the county.