Somerset have moved early, confirming Australian quick Riley Meredith as one of their two overseas signings for next summer’s Vitality Blast. It will be the 29-year-old’s third spell at Taunton, and this time he is expected to be available for the entire May-to-July campaign.
Meredith’s impact in 2025 was hard to miss. Twenty-eight wickets – the most by any bowler in the competition – underpinned Somerset’s run to the title, while his overall record for the club now stands at 42 wickets at 18.47 with an economy rate of 8.16. Those numbers sit nicely alongside his reputation for genuine pace, usually hovering in the mid-90mph range, and an ability to strike both early and at the death.
“Riley played an integral part in our success this summer and we’re delighted to be bringing a player of his quality back to the club,” Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said. “His genuine pace and aggression will always trouble batters and he brings something different to our attack. I know that our Members and supporters will be looking forward to seeing him take to field for us again in 2026.”
Hurry added: “Everyone connected with the club is looking forward to Riley bringing his trademark pace and energy back to the Cooper Associates County Ground. We can’t wait to see him charging in again as we look to defend our title in 2026.”
The Tasmanian has played only one ODI and six T20Is for Australia, last featuring in 2024 when a late call-up ruled him out of Finals Day. With no immediate international commitments on the horizon, Somerset believe they will have Meredith’s services for the full Blast window, easing the selection headaches that disrupted previous campaigns.
“I’ve loved my time with Somerset, and it was great to be able to contribute to this year’s success,” Meredith said. “It’s a really good group of players and I can’t wait to be back in Taunton and playing in front of those fans.”
Somerset’s second overseas slot remains open. The club has hinted at a top-order option but will wait until scheduling around the IPL and international calendars becomes clearer. For now, locking in Meredith gives head coach Jason Kerr a proven wicket-taker and a little breathing space as the champions map out their title defence.
A touch of context: repeat contracts are becoming rarer under the current fixture crunch, so Meredith’s return speaks to mutual trust. If he stays fit – his shoulder issues have been managed carefully in the past – Somerset’s attack should again feature that extra yard of pace many counties still struggle to find.
