Somerset’s bid to defend their T20 Blast title has taken a significant hit with the news that star Australian fast bowler Riley Meredith will miss the opening six matches of their campaign. The 29-year-old Tasmanian has been a standout performer in the Blast, playing a pivotal role in Somerset’s success last season by claiming a competition-high 28 wickets.
Meredith was unavailable for Somerset’s finals day last year, having been recalled by Cricket Australia ahead of their domestic season. This time, his absence comes as he is named in Australia’s squads for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan and T20 series against Bangladesh.
Andy Hurry, Somerset’s director of cricket, expressed mixed feelings about Meredith’s international call-up: “Representing your country is the highest honour in sport, and we are delighted for Riley. We wish him the best on the international stage and look forward to his return to Taunton once his commitments conclude. Unfortunately, the global cricket calendar sometimes means situations like this are inevitable, and we’ll be exploring all options until Riley rejoins us in June.”
READ MORE: Somerset’s James Rew Earns England Test Call-Up for New Zealand Series
READ MORE: Somerset’s Riverside Holiday Village Ranked Among UK’s Best Family-Friendly Campsites
Australia’s final match on this tour is a T20 game scheduled for Sunday, June 21 in Bangladesh. Meredith is then expected to return to England in time for Somerset’s derby match against Gloucestershire at the County Ground on June 26. While his international selection is a proud moment, it undeniably leaves Somerset without a key player during a crucial phase of the Blast.
The club now faces a decision on whether to bring in an overseas replacement for Meredith’s absence or rely on their current squad to maintain their challenge. Somerset will begin their title defence at home against Hampshire Hawks on Friday, May 22, aiming to reach finals day for the third consecutive year after being runners-up in 2024 as well.