Tom Abell named Somerset captain for T20 Blast

The 27-year-old club skipper replaces Lewis Gregory in the shortest format

Somerset have named Tom Abell as their captain for the 2022 T20 Blast.

He replaces Lewis Gregory, who had held the role since 2018.

The Taunton club reached two editions of Finals Day during his tenure, including last year's final against eventual winners Kent Spitfires.

But following talks with head coach Jason Kerr it was decided that relinquishing the responsibility would allow Gregory to focus on his role as a bowling allrounder.

Abell has been club captain at Somerset since December 2016, leading the club to One-Day Cup glory, two runners-up finishes in the County Championship and the Bob Willis Trophy final in 2020.

Last season saw Ben Green captain Somerset in the One-Day Cup while Gregory and Abell were involved in The Hundred.

“Lewis and I have discussed this subject at length, and we feel that this will give Lewis the chance to focus on what he does best, and that’s making positive contributions to Somerset winning games of cricket across all formats," said Kerr.

^{Abell was part of the Somerset side that reached last season's Blast final (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

"Lewis is a player of the very highest calibre and his on-field leadership qualities will still be vitally important for us moving forward.

“Tom has proved himself to be an outstanding multi-format leader and he has done an excellent job when called upon to lead the side in T20 cricket previously.

Abell added: "I’m humbled to have the opportunity to lead Somerset in T20 cricket as well as the County Championship. It feels incredibly special.

"Lewis has been a phenomenal captain and has really taken our T20 cricket to another level. I fully respect his decision, and he will continue to have a huge influence on our team.

"Our development in last summer’s competition was clearly evident, and I certainly believe we can go one step further in 2022 and give our very special Members and supporters something to be proud of."