AT THE end of the season Somerset CCC said goodbye to Josh Davey, who is leaving after 12 seasons to join Leicestershire where he has signed a three-year contract.

During his time with the club he has played in 73 first class matches and scored 1578 runs at 19.97 and taken 196 wickets at 24.67, played in 36 List A matches, scored 166 runs at 20.75 and taken 52 wickets at 25.53., and appeared in 52 T20 and scored 162 runs and has an average of 40.50 and taken 74 wickets at 20.10, which is pretty impressive given he was released by Middlesex back in 2013.

Initially he found it hard to settle in Taunton but from that tough beginning he has gone onto become a vital part of a successful bowling attack which has seen Somerset competing in the top division of the county championship and being one of the leading white ball playing counties.

Josh reflected on a few of the high spots during his time at Taunton. “Winning at Lord’s in 2019 has to be the highlight of my career here because growing up watching cricket the 50 over final was always the highlight of the season.

“Winning two T20 trophies hass been fantastic; being part of that white ball squad is a great feeling because its such a strong squad, and that’s one of the main reasons for me leaving.”

He talked more about his decision: “Sometimes you get a sense as a player that it’s time for change - this year I only played in two T20s whereas I’d like to be playing more as I have aspirations to develop that part of my game.

'I don’t want to just coast, I want a challenge to just keep myself getting better and with the T20 side the way it is is so tough to get into it.

“So one of the main reasons is to get more opportunity in white ball cricket, so this is a white ball orientated move.

“Trying to get into a side that has the likes of Matt Henry, Riley Meredith, Craig Overton, Lewis Gregory and Ben Green is not easy. I have got a pretty good T20 record and feel I should be playing that format. So I need an opportunity to show that I can deliver at that level, because it’s hard to some in occasionally and be consistent.”

Josh talked more about his move to the East Midlands, where he links up with Alfonso Thomas who is the head coach.

“I am stepping into a whole new opportunity with a three year contract at Leicestershire - it’s a very good contract and for me in the twilight of my career is something I can’t resists. I may be 35 but as a player I’m still young and haven’t played all that much in any of the formats so still have a lot to offer. I have only played 85 first class games, not 150, which is what some people of my age have.I still think I have got plenty of cricket in me.

He added: “I look back at the opportunity Somerset gave me and how that made my career develop. You get to know when its time to move and refresh yourself as a player and start again.”