SOMERSET County Cricket Club has underlined its commitment to keeping hold of its homegrown players, as Kasey Aldridge becomes the latest player to sign a contract extension.

Earlier this week, Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said that "retaining the services of our high-quality homegrown players is one of our key priorities", and the club had already agreed terms with 20-year-olds Lewis Goldsworthy and Tom Lammonby.

Now Aldridge, also 20, has signed a two-year extension that keeps him in Taunton until at least the end of the 2023 season.

The former Millfield School student developed his game at Brislington and Bath Cricket Clubs, while progressing up the Somerset Age Group Pathway.

The fast bowler and middler-order batsman joined the Somerset Academy in 2018, and played for England Under-19s at last year's World Cup.

After putting pen to paper, Aldridge said: “It’s an honour to play for the club that I’ve grown up at.

"This is where I want to play my cricket and I don’t think there’s anywhere better for me to develop.

“It means a huge amount to have been given this opportunity, and I can’t wait to go out on the field and impress.

“As a bowler, I’m still developing but to know that I’ve got the backing of everyone at the club is really encouraging.”

Hurry commented: “Kasey has all the attributes that you require to be a top-quality cricketer.

"We have been impressed by the manner in which he adapted to life as a professional player, and we are excited by his potential and the opportunity to continue to work with him over the next few years.

“He took the step up in his stride last year, and everyone has been impressed by his attitude and his desire to improve every single day.”

Steve Snell, head of the Somerset Talent Pathway, said: “Kasey has huge potential, and it has been superb to see him continue to improve within the professional environment.

“In addition to Kasey’s qualities with the bat, his key attributes as a bowler are that he possesses pace and bounce, and it has been pleasing to see him continue to develop and bowl a threatening line and length more often."