Smeed, 21, to focus on white-ball cricket

ENGLAND prospect Will Smeed has signed a specialist white-ball deal with Somerset, turning his back on first-class cricket at just 21.

Smeed has long been seen as one of the most talented players of his generation and came to prominence when he hit the first century in The Hundred earlier this year, blasting 101 not out for Birmingham Phoenix against Southern Brave.

But, while Smeed has now played 55 20-over or 100-ball games, he has managed just one List A appearance and has yet to make his first-class debut.

It now seems likely that could be the case throughout his career as he signed a one-year extension which keeps him at Taunton on a limitedovers contract. While others have agreed similar deals at more advanced stages of their careers, including two of England’s new T20 world champions in the shape of Alex Hales and Adil Rashid, Smeed’s decision stands out given his youth.

“I feel that my game is better suited to white-ball cricket,” he said.

“After a huge amount of thorough and considered discussions, I feel that I need to solely focus my attention on the limited-overs formats in order to become the very best cricketer I can be.”