Somerset's Ball signs contract extension

Jake Ball has taken 260 first-class wickets and 341 in white-ball cricket during his career [Getty Images] Somerset pace bowler Jake Ball has signed a one-year contract extension which will see him stay at the County Ground until at least the end of the next season. The 35-year-old arrived at Taunton from Nottinghamshire in 2024 and has made 59 appearances, taking 97 wickets across the three formats. Ball helped Somerset win the T20 Blast in 2025, taking 2-39 in their six-wicket victory in the final against Hampshire at Edgbaston. He previously played 24 times for England - four Tests, 18 one-dayers anmd twio T20 internationals - between 2016 and 2018. Ball told the Somerset website: "Since I joined the club, we've consistently competed on all three fronts and, with the quality that we have in the squad, I'm sure that will continue in the years to come. "I'll keep giving everything I have in all formats to help Somerset win matches and I can't wait to play my part both on and off the field next year and also in our push for this year's County Championship". Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry added: "Jake is a leading presence both on and off the field, and his expertise and wealth of experience have been fundamental to the success we've enjoyed in recent years. "He remains one of the cornerstones of our team and will play a crucial role in driving us forward throughout the rest of this campaign and into the future."