Somerset batsman Tom Banton signs new two-year deal
SOMERSET batsman Tom Banton said there was no place he would rather be after committing his future to the county until 2026
The 25-year-old is an integral part of the county’s one-day and Championship team featuring in 134 matches ion all formats of the game and amassed over 4,800 runs in that time.
A former England Under-19 captain, the former King’s College student has also represented his country as well, making 14 appearances for the IT20 team, scoring 327 runs with an impressive strike rate of 147.96.
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Banton is also a notable performer in the IPL, BBL and PSL and a firm favourite with fans at the County Ground having come through the club’s Academy.
“I love the club and this where I want to play my cricket,” Banton said. “There’s a great atmosphere around the place and we’re regularly competing for silverware in all formats of the game.
“It’s a really exciting time for the club. We’ve got a great blend of experienced pros and exciting young players, and there’s genuine competition for places from one to 11.
“One of the things that makes Somerset so special is the incredible support that we get whenever we play. It doesn’t matter if it’s white-ball or red-ball, the support we get, especially when we play at home, is amazing and I absolutely love playing in front of such a passionate crowd.
“The Surrey Championship game just summed that up. I’ve never experienced anything quite like that and I’ll remember it forever.”
Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry added: “Tom is one of the most naturally gifted players in the game and he is also one of the hardest working. Everyone sees what he does on the field, but what people aren’t necessarily aware of is how dedicated he is to getting better every single time he walks through those gates.
“His dedication and passion for the Club were demonstrated in the recent Championship fixture against Surrey, when he overcame the pain of a serious injury to take to the field and put the needs of the team ahead of his own fitness.
“It goes without saying that we are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of such a talented player. It’s a real statement of intent for Somerset County Cricket Club.”
Meanwhile, women’s starting salaries in professional domestic cricket will be the same as their male counterparts from next year, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced.
The initiative is being implemented to persuade young females a cricket career is “enticing” and not simply “viable”, according to Beth Barrett-Wild, the ECB director of the women’s professional game.
It has also been agreed each of the eight first-class counties awarded tier one status as part of an overhaul of the women’s domestic structure from 2025 must invest at least £500,000 on players’ wages.
A salary cap of £800,000 has been confirmed, with minimum squad sizes of 15 contracted players.
“Equalising starting salaries across our men’s and women’s professional domestic game is another positive step forward for women’s cricket in England and Wales,” Barrett-Wild said.