Australian batsman Chris Rogers joins Somerset for 2016 season
Wednesday 7 October 2015 12:44, UK
Former Australia batsman Chris Rogers has agreed a one-year contract to play for Somerset.
With the 38-year-old left-hander set to play for next season, the county have also secured young Kent wicketkeeper Ryan Davies who has put pen to paper on a three-year deal.
Rogers has played in 25 Test matches for Australia and scored 2015 runs at an average of 42.87 with a top score of 173 at Lord's during this year's Ashes series. He has also scored five Test centuries.
Rogers, who has also played for Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Middlesex, said: "I'm really pleased to be joining a club of the stature of Somerset.
"I have always enjoyed playing cricket in England and as soon as I heard that Somerset were interested I wanted to make it happen. There have been quite a few Australian players who have done really well down at Taunton and hopefully I can add my name to that list.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to get started."
In his 297 first class matches he has scored 24,460 runs at an average of 49.81 with a top score of 319. He has also made 73 centuries and 116 half centuries during his first class career.
Davies, 18, has represented England at U19 level, joined Kent Cricket Academy at 13 and was offered a professional contract for the 2015 season after Geraint Jones left the club.
Davies said: "I am really excited to be signing for Somerset and would like to thank everyone at Kent for their help and support over the years.
"There are some really good players in the Somerset squad and I am looking forward to working with all of them. This is an exciting time for me as I take my career to the next stage with Somerset."
On the two acquisitions, Somerset Director of Cricket Matt Maynard added: "These are great signings for the club.
"Chris Rogers is an outstanding batsman with an excellent attitude towards the game. He will score runs on the field and will have a positive impact off it as well. He is an excellent professional and our young players will learn a lot from him."
