Lewis Gregory named as Somerset skipper for T20 blast

Lewis Gregory has been handed the captaincy duties off Somerset on a permanent basis for the NatWest T20 Blast. The 25-year-old all-rounder reckoned it would be an ‘absolute honour’ to captain the team, and vowed to challenge for silverware. The right-handed batsman led the county in last season’s T20 quarter-final clash with Nottinghamshire Outlaws, where they were beaten by five wickets and missed out on the final day.

Lewis made his debut for Somerset in 2011 and has been a very proficient allrounder for the side – taking 57 wickets in 61 T20 games while also scoring 613 runs at a strike rate of 130.14. “I had a little taste of captaincy last year and I’m delighted that I’ll get the chance to lead such a talented squad and try to take our T20 game forward,” he said. This is a golden opportunity for the youngster.

The potential to evolve as a leader

Somerset’s Director of Cricket Andy Hurry feels Gregory has shown the potential to evolve into a great leader for the side. Speaking of the decision, Gregory said: “To captain Somerset in the T20 Blast this year will be an absolute honour. To have my name on the Captain’s Board alongside some of the great names in the club’s history is a huge privilege.

“Lewis has established himself as a key member of the squad with the bat, the ball and within the dressing room. His journey thus far has demonstrated that he has the potential to evolve into a great leader. He epitomises how we want to operate, and he is a natural leader within our group,” Hurry said.

Tom Abell will captain the side in the County Championship and the One-Day Cup, Gregory will take over in the shortest form of the game.

Gregory showed promise in a new role as a pinch-hitting opener during last season’s campaign, and also took 12 wickets with his seamers.