Tom Abell appointed Somerset captain

Young opener Tom Abell has been appointed as Somerset’s new club captain.

Abell, who is Taunton born and bred, takes over from Australian Chris Rogers who left the club at the end of last summer. 

All-rounder Jim Allenby will continue to skipper the team in white ball cricket.

Abell, 22, said: "I feel hugely privileged and humbled to be made captain of Somerset County Cricket Club. To have the opportunity to play for Somerset was a dream for me so to captain the club is something incredibly special.

"To follow on from some of the previous captains of the club who are listed on the honours board in the pavilion is an incredible feeling and something that I don't think will sink in for a while.  

"After such an exciting and successful 2016 campaign, I hope we can build on what we created and bring further success next season."

Director of Cricket Matt Maynard believes Abell is ready for the top job at Taunton.

"People will no doubt point out Tom's age but that doesn't come in to it," he said. 

"Graeme Smith was captaining South Africa when he was 22. If you're good enough, you're old enough and Tom is certainly good enough. Anyone who has spent any time in his company knows that his knowledge and understanding of the game are outstanding.

"He has an old head on those young shoulders and he is held in very high regard by his team-mates. He is the epitome of what this club is all about both on and off the field."