Somerset sign Aussie paceman Riley Meredith for T20 campaign

Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry, hopes the signing of Australian paceman Riley Meredith will ensure the club are again one of the favourites to win the Vitality Blast this summer.

The defending champions have been on the lookout for a quality addition to their attack for some time and 2y-year-old Meredith’s arrival will certainly excite the county’s cricket fans.

“We are extremely pleased to have been able to sign a cricketer of Riley’s ability and experience,” Hurry said. “He bowls with real pace and skill and will add further experience and a different dimension to our bowling attack. He is driven to achieve further international and high profile global franchise recognition, and we look forward to him playing a key role for us this summer.”

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Meredith is an Australian international having appeared in five IT20s for his country, taking eight wickets at an average of 23.50 and has also represented Australia in ODI cricket. In total, Meredith has played 91 T20 matches and taken 114 wickets at an average of 25.42 with a best of four for 21.

The Tasmanian fast bowler has a good deal of global white-ball cricket experience having represented Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings in the IPL, and Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash and he can’t wait to get going with his new team-mates.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing in English conditions and I can’t wait to get started. Somerset are one of the biggest names in the English domestic game and I’m excited to be able to play a part in their journey this year. Somerset are the current Vitality Blast champions and I’ll be doing everything I can to help them retain the title.”

Somerset return to County Championship action for the last time on Friday at Durham, before they break for the start of the T20 season. Last week’s win over Kent saw them move up to second place in the Championship standings, 18 points behind leaders Surrey, who visit Hampshire this weekend.

Somerset’s opening T20 fixture is at home to Essex Eagles at an already sold-out County Ground next Friday, starting at 6.30pm. Before that, Western Storm take on Sunrisers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.