Tom Banton has committed his future to Somerset by signing a new white-ball contract that runs through to the end of the 2028 season. The 27-year-old batsman will continue to represent Somerset in limited overs cricket, stepping away from red-ball formats for the county.
Since his debut in July 2017, Banton has played 160 matches for Somerset, showcasing his explosive batting talent. He made his List A and First-Class debuts the following summer and notably set a new county record last year with an innings of 371 against Worcestershire.
Banton’s international experience includes seven One Day Internationals and 35 T20 matches for England, and he was recently named in England’s T20 squad for the series against India.
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Reflecting on his decision, Banton said: “Extending my stay with Somerset is fantastic, though it was a tough choice because red-ball cricket has been vital in shaping my game. Some of my best memories are from the County Championship, including our memorable win against Surrey and my record-breaking innings for the club.
“I appreciate how much the County Championship means to our fans, and I’m not closing the door on four-day cricket permanently. After thoughtful and positive discussions with Andy Hurry and Jason Kerr, I believe focusing on white-ball formats is the best path for me right now.
“I love playing for Somerset and am grateful for the support from the club and fans. I’m excited to continue contributing to our success in the limited overs formats.”
Somerset’s Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, praised Banton’s impact: “Tom has a remarkable ability to influence games and remains highly sought after in white-ball cricket.
“He has been instrumental in our Vitality Blast successes, providing crucial momentum at the top of the order.
“We respect his decision to focus on white-ball cricket and look forward to his continued pivotal role in our limited overs achievements.”