Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Banton pens new deal with Somerset
SOMERSET’S Tom Banton has committed his immediate future to the club after signing a new contract extension.
The 20-year-old wicketkeeperbatsman has put pen to paper on a deal that will see him remain with the county until at least the end of the 2020 season. He signed his first professional contract after graduating from the Somerset Academy at the end of 2017.
He made his Somerset debut in July 2017 in a T20 match against Middlesex at Uxbridge, and since then has featured in 13 matches across all formats, culminating in his first-class debut against Surrey at Taunton in September.
Banton, pictured, said: “I’m delighted to have extended my contract at Somerset for another two years. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I hope to be able to repay the faith that the coaches and committee have shown in me to date by putting in performances for the first team in 2019 and beyond.”
Director of cricket Andy Hurry said: “It’s important to secure the future of the club, so we are delighted Tom has committed his future to Somerset.
“We feel that Tom has a very high ceiling and he is on an upward trajectory. We look forward to him continuing his development with us over the coming seasons.”
Banton follows club-mate Josh Davey in signing a new contract at Taunton. Earlier this week, Scotland all-rounder Davey, 28, also penned a new deal to the end of the 2020 campaign.