Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Gregory is named new skipper at Somerset
LEWIS Gregory says it is a “massive honour” to be chosen to lead Somerset in the County Championship this season.
The 31-year-old club stalwart was yesterday named red-ball skipper following the decision of previous captain Tom Abell to step down after seven seasons in the role.
All-rounder Gregory stepped up to Somerset’s first team from their academy back in 2010 and has scored 6,000 runs and taken more than 550 wickets. He was already captain of the club’s T20 Blast side and led the team to the title in 2023.
“I’m lucky enough to have been here for a while now and played under a number of great captains,” Gregory said. “To be able to lead the boys in the four-day format is a massive honour and it’s something that I’m very proud to be able to do.
“Captaincy makes you feel more responsible for what goes on in the game and I think that the added responsibility brings out the best in me. We’ve got a lot of leaders in the dressing room and out on the field and it’s exciting to think about what this group can achieve.
“I want the lads to enjoy what they’re doing and we’re going to continue to play aggressive cricket. That will bring the best out in everyone and hopefully we’ll see the positive results of that come the end of the season.”
Gregory, from Plymouth, captained England Under-19s and has since made three one-day international appearances for the senior side, as well as nine in international T20s.
Somerset director of cricket Andy
Hurry said: “Lewis has thrived under the captaincy in T20 cricket.
“He is a natural leader and is held in the highest regard by his teammates and the staff at the club.
“He is highly regarded across the whole changing room, has extensive experience, has a natural ability to (lead) others and is the natural choice to take on the role.”
Gregory’s fellow all-rounder Craig Overton has been named as the Somerset vice-captain.
Essex have signed former South Africa stalwart Dean Elgar on a three-year deal.
Elgar, 36, ended his international career earlier this month after 86 Tests and over 5,000 runs.
The left-handed opener was a County Championship winner with Surrey in 2018 and has also had two spells with Somerset.
He will now fill a considerable void for Essex, who saw former England captain Sir Alastair Cook retire in 2023.
“I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter of my cricketing journey with Essex,” said Elgar.
“The club have been pushing for honours in recent years and I’m eager to contribute to further success. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my previous experiences in county cricket and I’m looking forward to joining up with the squad ahead of the season.”
Essex head coach Anthony McGrath added: “He has had an outstanding career and we are excited to witness his impact at Essex.”