Aussie Sutherland keen to contribute

Somerset sign promising all-rounder from Down Under for the 2024 campaign

AUSTRALIAN all-rounder Will Sutherland says he is “really looking forward” to playing in England after signing a contract to represent Somerset in 2024.

The 24-year-old, who is the son of ex-Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland and older brother of women’s international Annabel Sutherland, is a right-arm seam bowler, captain of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield side, and has played in the Big Bash for the Melbourne Renegades.

He had been due to play for Essex during the summer just passed, but withdrew from that obligation due to a back injury.

In addition to scoring a first-class century, Sutherland has taken 115 wickets in 37 matches at an average of 25.32, with a best of six for 67.

He said: “Somerset are the 2023 Blast champions and have an excellent pedigree in Championship cricket, which shows the level of desire and ambition they have. That really resonates with the ambition that I have within the game.

“I’m really looking forward to contributing on the field, getting to know the players and staff and challenging myself in English conditions.”

Sutherland, left, will arrive in the West Country following the end of the Australian domestic season, so should be available for the start of Somerset’s campaign in April.

“Everyone who follows global cricket will be aware of the rise Will has made in recent seasons,” said Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry. “He is certainly a talent across all of the formats, and we sense that he is closing in on full international honours.”