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Somerset sign Australian international Daniel Sams for T20 Blas

somersetlive.co.uk NaN days ago

He will be available for the duration of the T20 campaign in 2026

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Daniel Sams of the Thunder bowls during the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at Ninja Stadium, on December 16, 2025, in Hobart, Australia (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)
HOBART, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 16: Daniel Sams of the Thunder bowls during the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at Ninja Stadium, on December 16, 2025, in Hobart, Australia (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

AUSTRALIAN international Daniel Sams has been snapped up by Somerset to help spearhead the defence of the Vitality T20 Blast trophy that they won in the summer.

The 33-year-old has featured in a total of 206 T20 matches in his career, claiming 250 wickets, at an average of 24.63, with a best of five for 30. In those matches, he has also amassed over 2,170 runs with a best of 98 not out at a strike rate of 152.66.

He will be available for the duration of the T20 campaign in 2026 and he returns to the English scene after three years with Essex and spending the summer of 2025 with Nottinghamshire.

“This is an exciting opportunity and hopefully I can help the team retain the trophy,” Sams said.

“Having played against Somerset, I know how good a T20 side they are and I’m looking forward to being a part of the team. I know a few of the guys already and I’ll be doing everything that I can to help them win games of cricket in 2026.”

(Image: Getty Images)

Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, is pleased to have secured the services of the Australian international and said: “Daniel has shown his quality all around the world and we are delighted that he will be joining us for our Vitality Blast title defence.

“He has demonstrated over the last few years that he can excel and really impact games in English conditions, and he will certainly bring a powerful blend of bowling finesse, explosive batting, and all-round adaptability.”

Affectionately known as ‘The Karate Kid,’ Sams made his first class debut playing for New Zealand-based Canterbury in late 2017 before his T20 debut for the Sydney Sixers followed two months later. His international T20 debut followed in December 2020 with his last international cap coming against England in October 2022.

Sams arrival means Somerset will have two Aussies fronting their limited overs attack with Riley Meredith also returning to the County Ground. The 29-year-old played a key role in Somerset reaching the final in 2024 with 14 wickets at an average of 22.78. he returned in 2025 and was the leading wicket taker, taking 28 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 16.32, but he was unable to play on Finals Day due to all Australian State players being recalled ahead of the domestic season re-starting. He is also available for the duration of the tournament.

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