Tom Abell, who struggled with form during the 2023 season, has resigned as Somerset’s captain effective immediately.
Prior to the 2017 season, Abell, 29, was named Somerset’s captain. He guided the team to victory in the 2019 Royal London Cup and three runner-up positions in red-ball competitions: second in the County Championship in 2018 and 2019, the Bob Willis Trophy final in the summer of 2020 affected by Covid.
Somerset did win a trophy in 2023 when they won the Vitality Blast. But, Lewis Gregory had taken over as team captain after Abell left after their season’s run to the semi-finals, and Abell had chosen to step down from his position due to a poor seventh-place showing in the Championship and a decline in his own play.
“I’m stepping down with a heavy heart,” Abell declared. “Being the club captain has been an enormous honor and an amazing experience for me as a Somerset lad. Although I’ve given it a lot of thought, and even though it’s not been an easy choice, I think it’s best for the team and the club. I believe that this is the ideal time for change, and sometimes it can be beneficial. My choice is solely motivated by what I believe will be in our best interests going ahead.
“There have been both good and bad times during the past seven seasons. I sincerely appreciate all of the help I’ve had, and Andy Hurry and Jason Kerr have been amazing allies. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a member of some amazing teams with some amazing players, who have helped to keep me in the job for so long. My family has been my biggest source of support.”
When Abell was selected for England’s white-ball team for their March tour of Bangladesh, he was on the verge of earning international recognition. However, he had to withdraw due to a side injury.
“I didn’t have a great season in 2023 and it can be tough to lead when you’re not necessarily content with your own performance,” he stated. “This will give me the opportunity to get back to where I need to be, which is contributing to Somerset winning games of cricket.”
Hurry, the Director of Cricket at Somerset, stated that throughout Abell’s seven seasons in command, the team had been guided with “distinction”.
“Everyone connected with Somerset will agree that he has been an absolute credit to the club both on and off the field,” Hurry stated. “His conduct, commitment, leadership and dedication have been exemplary during his time in the role, and he has written himself into the history of the club forever.”
