SOMERSET County Cricket Club have got their 150th year celebrations off to a flying start with the announcement that Matt Henry, one of the most successful overseas signings in recent seasons, will be returning to the Cooper Associates County Ground in 2025.

The New Zealand international pace bowler will be returning to join the Cidermen where he had a major impact in 2023. During that spell he was the leading wicket taker in the Vitality Blast and claimed the Player of the Match award in the final as Somerset overcame Essex to lift the trophy.

Matt will rejoin Somerset between April 7th and June 25th, meaning he will be available for seven Rothesay County Championship matches and eight Vitality Blast fixtures.

In 2023, Matt featured in 14 Vitality Blast matches for the club, claiming 31 wickets at an average of 13.25 with a best of four for 24. He also played in six County Championship fixtures, claiming 32 wickets at an average of 16.18 and scored 149 runs at an average of 21.28 with a best of 50 not out against Lancashire at Old Trafford.

During his previous stay with the club the Kiwi formed one of the most threatening bowling attacks on the county circuit when he bowled in tandem with Craig Overton and seemed to bring the best out of the Somerset all rounder. The 33-year-old’s international figures are equally impressive. Since making his debut for New Zealand in 2014 he has taken 292 wickets across the three formats of the game.

In the recent Test series against England he was the leading bowler for the hosts, taking 15 wickets at an average of 23.26 runs each, with a best of 4/48 in the third and final match.

Regarding his return to Taunton, Matt said: “I loved everything about my time with Somerset and to top it off by winning the Vitality Blast was something pretty special.

“Everyone made me and my family feel incredibly welcome, and the supporters were amazing. Hopefully I can repay the club’s faith in me by helping Somerset achieve more success.”

Somerset CCC Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry added: “Matt is a world class bowler, and we are delighted to be able to welcome back a player of his ability. He has a genuine affinity for this club and made a huge impact both on and off the field during his spell with us back in 2023.

“He understands what it means to represent Somerset County Cricket Club and there is no doubt that the squad as a whole will benefit from his quality and experience.”

Somerset begin their season with a home Championship match against Worcestershire which gets underway on Friday 4th April.

Meanwhile, 2025 is a big year for Somerset County Cricket Club. It marks the 150th anniversary of the club’s formation and it is also the inaugural season of SCCC hosting both a full time professional men’s team and a women’s side.

There is just so much cricket to look forward to this coming summer, both mens and women’s sides compete in three domestic competitions making a total of six trophies up for grabs.

Last summer Somerset’s men’s team competed strongly in each of the domestic competitions, reaching the finals in both the 20 and 50 over competitions, while in the championship right the end.