Will Sutherland: Somerset sign Australian all-rounder for 2024

Australian all-rounder Will Sutherland has agreed to join Somerset in 2024.

The right-arm seamer, who is captain of Victoria's Sheffield Shield side, is a former vice-captain of the Australia Under-19 side and has played in the Big Bash for Melbourne Renegades.

A planned spell with Essex in 2023 was cancelled because of a back injury.

The 24-year-old is the son of former Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland and brother of Australia international Annabel.

As well as scoring a first-class century he has also taken 115 wickets in 37 matches at an average of 25.32, with a best of 6-67.

"Somerset are the 2023 Blast champions and have an excellent pedigree in County Championship cricket which shows the level of desire and ambition that the club have," Sutherland said.

"That really resonates with the ambition that I have within the game.

"I'm really looking forward to contributing on the field, getting to know the players and staff and challenging myself in English conditions."

He will join at the conclusion of Victoria's domestic season and should be available for the start of the County Championship campaign in April as well as the group stages of the T20 Blast.

"Everyone who follows global domestic cricket will be aware of the rise Will has made in recent seasons," Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said.

"He is certainly a talent across all the formats, and we sense he is closing in on full international honours.

"From the conversations that we've had with him in recent weeks, it's clear that he has a strong desire to constantly develop, push for higher honours and be part of a winning environment."