Somerset have tied up a familiar face for 2026, confirming that South African all-rounder Migael Pretorius will again fill one of their overseas slots for the entire campaign.
The 30-year-old has been on the county’s books since 2024 and his numbers stack up neatly: 58 wickets and five fifties in 21 outings, plus a telling hand on Blast Finals Day when Somerset lifted the trophy for the second time in three seasons. Last summer alone he managed 29 Championship wickets, often chipping in with late-order runs that nudged totals into safer territory.
“From the moment he arrived in 2024, Migael wholeheartedly bought into the culture of the club,” director of cricket Andy Hurry said. “During his two previous spells with the club, he has shown that he has the ability to impact games with the bat, with the ball and in the field, and he will once again add valuable depth and experience to the squad.”
Pretorius remains uncapped at international level despite regular South Africa squad call-ups. His broader record – 230 first-class wickets at 27.50, 61 in List A and 100 in T20s – suggests that door is still ajar, and a third solid county stint would do little harm to his cause.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing for Somerset over the last two years,” Pretorius said. “From day one I was made to feel at home and it’s a pretty special place to play. To be part of the team that won the Blast was incredible and hopefully we can emulate and even exceed that success in 2026.”
Former Somerset skipper Marcus Trescothick reckons the re-signing is “sensible business”, adding that Pretorius “covers a lot of bases without taking up two contracts”. A view echoed by local commentator Anthony Gibson, who notes the “continuity” such deals provide in an age of quick-fire overseas switches.
There’s no guarantee of silverware, of course, but Somerset know what they are getting – a reliable, energetic cricketer who fits neatly into the dressing-room and, more often than not, the scorebook.
