Somerset County Cricket Club has secured the services of Australian international all-rounder Daniel Sams to bolster their campaign in the 2026 Vitality T20 Blast. As defending champions, Somerset are aiming to retain their title, and Sams’ signing adds a significant boost to their squad.
At 33 years old, Sams brings a wealth of T20 experience, having played 206 matches across various leagues worldwide. He has taken an impressive 250 wickets with an average of 24.63, including a career-best performance of five for 30. With the bat, Sams has scored over 2,170 runs, boasting a highest score of 98 not out and maintaining a strike rate of 152.66.
Having previously spent three seasons with Essex and the 2025 summer with Nottinghamshire, Sams returns to English domestic cricket fully prepared for the upcoming Blast season. He will be available for Somerset’s entire campaign in 2026.
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“This is an exciting opportunity, and I’m eager to help the team defend the trophy,” Sams said. “I’ve played against Somerset before and know they’re a formidable T20 side. I’m looking forward to joining the squad and contributing wherever I can to win matches in 2026.”
Andy Hurry, Somerset’s director of cricket, expressed his enthusiasm about the new signing: “Daniel has proven his quality on the international stage and in various T20 competitions around the world. We’re delighted he’ll be joining us for our Vitality Blast title defence. His skill set combines precise bowling, explosive batting, and valuable all-round versatility, which will be crucial in English conditions.”
Known affectionately as ‘The Karate Kid,’ Sams made his first-class debut for Canterbury in New Zealand in late 2017 before stepping onto the T20 stage with Sydney Sixers shortly thereafter. He earned his international T20 debut in December 2020 and last represented Australia in October 2022 against England.
Sams’ arrival complements the continued presence of fellow Australian Riley Meredith at Somerset. Meredith, 29, played a pivotal role in Somerset’s 2024 Blast final run, taking 14 wickets at an average of 22.78. In 2025, he was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 28 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 16.32. Despite missing Finals Day due to state commitments in Australia, Meredith will also be available for the entire 2026 Blast season alongside Sams, ensuring a strong Australian influence in Somerset’s limited-overs attack.
With these reinforcements, Somerset will be well-placed to mount a serious defence of their Vitality T20 Blast crown next year.