Tom Banton has signed a new limited‑overs contract with Somerset that runs until 2028, effectively putting his first‑class career on hold. His previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season, and after “open and amicable” discussions with the club’s management he has chosen to concentrate on white‑ball cricket while keeping the option to return to red‑ball formats.
Banton set a new Somerset record with 371 against Worcestershire in his opening innings of the 2025 season, briefly earning Talk of a future Test spot. However, his next 16 innings yielded just a single half‑century, and injuries, IPL commitments and England duties have kept him out of the County Championship this year.
He withdrew from Somerset’s last two matchday squads and confirmed on Thursday that his new deal will see him “focusing on white‑ball cricket” without “closing the door permanently on four‑day cricket”. Banton has become a regular in England’s T20I setup over the past year and has also featured in recent ODI squads.
“I’m delighted to have extended my stay with Somerset although this has been a really difficult decision because red‑ball cricket has played a huge part in helping me develop my game, and some of my best memories have come in the County Championship,” Banton said.
“The win over Surrey at home a few years ago was so enjoyable, and achieving the club’s highest first‑class score is something I’m really proud of. I know how much the County Championship means to our members and supporters and I’m not closing the door permanently on four‑day cricket. My decision has come after a lot of open and amicable discussions with Andy Hurry [director of cricket] and Jason Kerr [head coach] over a considerable period of time.
Given the demands and challenges of playing in and moving between all formats, I believe that focusing on white‑ball cricket is the right approach for me at this stage of my career.
Hurry said: “We respect Tom’s decision to concentrate on maximising his white‑ball development and we very much look forward to him continuing to be an integral part of our limited‑overs success moving forward.
Banton has scored 199 runs in six T20 Blast innings this year with Somerset, the defending champions, who currently occupy fifth place in the Central and West Group and face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages.
