WITH the start of the 2023 first class season just a few days ahead, there was further good news for fans of the Cidermen when it was announced that Craig Overton had signed a three-year extension to his contract, writes Richard Walsh.

Since then Overton has played in eight Test Matches, claiming 21 wickets with a best of three for 14, as well as featuring in seven ODIs in which he has taken five wickets with a best of two for 23.

His current deal with Somerset was due to expire at the end of the upcoming season but he has now committed himself to playing at Taunton until at least the end of 2026.

After signing his new deal Craig said: “I’m delighted to sign this long extension with the club. Somerset fans know how much the club means to me and that I’m hungry for team success. There is still lots to achieve, not least the holy grail of a county championship title.

He added: “We’ve made some impressive signings since last season, and we’re excited and hopeful that the next few years will prove to be most enjoyable and fruitful for all concerned.”

Overton is very much a westcountry boy so it comes as no surprise he is the latest in a list of local lads who are using bats made at their County Ground workshopby Millichamp and Hall, whose owner Rob Chambers hails from Stogursey.

The all rounder joins the likes of other locals Jack Leach, James Rew and Tom Abell who all use handmade M&H bats.

Meanwhile with the Cidermen due to get their first class season underway with a home fixture against Cardiff MCCU at Taunton on Wednesday, March 22, the Somerset squad have flown out to Abu Dhabi for a pre-season training camp during which they will play two T20 and one red ball two day game.

Somerset play a further two pre-season games against Glamorgan at home on Monday, March 27,at Taunton and Gloucestershire away at Bristol on Friday, March 31.

The 28 year old, who hails from North Devon, attended West Buckland School in North Devon where Somerset legend Harold Gimblett was once a pupil and grew up playing through the Devon age groups before joining the Academy at the Cooper Associates Ground, along with his twin brother Jamie.

The tall all-rounder made his Somerset debut in the championship game against Lancashire in April 2012, and has since gone onto play in more than 200 matches in all three formats, in which he has taken over 500 wickets and scored more than 3800 runs.

Overton made his Test Match debut for England at Adelaide in the Ashes series in 2017, claiming the wicket of Aussie captain Steve Smith.