JT LANDRIDGE has wanted to become a professional cricketer since he was five and now, having spent his first few weeks on the Somerset playing staff after signing a contract, this dream is starting to come true.

The left arm seamer who plays his club cricket for Ilminster and grew up through the Somerset age groups before graduating from the Academy, talked about how the first few weeks have gone.

“Having worked my way through the pathway and the Academy it starts to get more like the real thing and when you get here it is just so enjoyable. All those years you imagine what it’s going to be like and when you get here it’s exactly like you think. I feel in a really good place.

“Everyone here is so good and although I have got to know most of them through being on the Academy and playing in the Metro Bank and for the Seconds, but being here as a full time professional is so different again.”

Was being on the staff as he imagined?“ It’s pretty hard work. Today was an early start and we had a running session over at Huish at eight o clock, then we came back to the ground and grabbed a coffee on the way. Next we went into a gym session followed by a batting session and next it was a fielding session so its pretty full on and by the end of the day I’m pretty much on my knees.

“There is only a certain amount of time until the summer so it’s about me trying to progress as much as I can and getting the work in and building up and being the best for next year.

“The amount of contact time that you have as a full time cricketer is so much more increased. Through the Academy it’s great and you have the support the whole way through but when you come onto the staff its different again and the sole purpose is to look after you and get you Into the best position possible.”

JT, who is 19 years old, made his Somerset debut in the Metro Ban One Day Cup in 2023 but missed out on the whole of last summer after suffering a stress fracture to his back, which is now thankfully behind him.

“I’m now fully fit but a bit behind in terms of building loads and it’s going to take me a bit longer to get up to full match fitness.”

JT added: “I have had opportunities no matter where I have been the whole way through which has been really good, because without them I wouldn’t be where I am now.”