Bartlett staying an extra year
Somerset batter George Bartlett has agreed terms on a one-year contract extension.
The 24-year-old, whose current deal was due to expire this winter, has committed his future to the club until at least the end of the 2023 season.
Educated at Millfield School, Bartlett graduated from the Somerset Academy in 2016 and signed his first professional contract with the club ahead of the 2017 season.
The right-hander made his Somerset debut in the County Championship at Warwickshire that summer and since then has gone on to make 1,900 First Class runs for the club. He has scored five First Class centuries, including a best of 137.
Bartlett, who also plays club cricket for Bridgwater, has represented Somerset across all formats since joining the professional staff and, in 2019, he scored over 200 runs in the Royal London Cup competition. His partnership of over 40 with James Hildreth in the final at Lord’s that year saw the club reach the required victory target against Hampshire.
Furthermore, Bartlett has an impressive record for England’s Young Lions. In 2017 he amassed 179 for England Under-19s against India. That total is the highest ever overseas score made by an England Under-19 batsman, eclipsing the previous record of 170 which was set by Nasser Hussain in 1987.
After signing his extension, Bartlett said: “It’s really good to have the backing of the club for another year.
“We’ve had some good times over the last few years and hopefully we can continue that and bring more success to Somerset.
“Playing for Somerset means everything to me. I’ve been here since I was ten-years-old. It’s a great club with a lot of history and there’s a great bond between everyone both on and off the field.
“The number one priority now is to help the club win trophies. I just want to be making match winning contributions across all formats and helping Somerset to win matches.”
SCCC director of cricket, Andy Hurry, added: “We are very pleased that George has extended his stay at the Club.
“Since joining the playing staff from the Somerset Pathway, we have seen his talent unfolding in front of us, and we very much look forward to supporting him in achieving his aspirations across all formats over the remainder of this season and beyond.”