SOMERSET may well have solved their search to find an opening batter with the news that Will Smeed has signed a revised contract that will see him available for selection for all formats of the game during 2025.

Last summer saw the 23-year-old sign a contract extension to play white ball cricket for the Cidermen until at least the end of the 2026 season and the updated agreement means that the former Academy graduate will now play all formats.

Will played three Second XI County Championship matches at the end of 2024 in which he scored an impressive 198 runs at an average 49.50, and he is raring to go.

“I want to be a part of that team and contribute to some wins. I’m desperate to play more cricket than I did last summer.

“I picked up an injury last summer and it felt like I hadn’t really played any cricket. I played a few Second XI red ball games towards the end of last year and really enjoyed it. That’s when I started to think that this would be a good option.

“Watching how the team went about things in the Championship last year was great and some of the wins were absolutely insane. It would be crazy to not want to be a part of that team.”

Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry said: “Will has a huge amount of potential, and his return to multi-day cricket will certainly add depth to our Championship batting options.

“When he initially signed a white ball contract, he always made it clear that the door was not closed to the red ball game, and I know our Members and supporters will be excited by the prospect of him now being available to be considered for selection in all formats for the Club that he loves.”