LEWIS Gregory, who was appointed captain of Somerset in place of Tom Abell who has stepped down after seven years in post, took the reins for the first time in a championship match in 2024 when the Cidermen travelled to open their campaign against Kent at Canterbury.

Before he set off for the south east the 31 year old all rounder, who hails from Plymouth, said: “This is an exciting time of year for every county cricketer. Everyone is back in from being away and there is a really good buzz around the place and we are all looking forward to getting cracking.”