On the same day that James Anderson claimed his final wicket for England and Jack Leach claimed his first T20 victim  at Taunton another Somerset young gun announced his arrival on the big stage, writes Richard Walsh.

George Thomas, who is 20 has played up through the Somerset age groups before joining the Academy in 2019. He made his first team debut in the Royal London Cup in 2021 scoring 75 in that match against Leicestershire.

Since then his appearances have been limited to the 50 over competition but on Friday, the local boy who plays his club cricket for St Andrews and attended King’s College got his chance and grabbed it with both hands.

Playing in place of the injured Will Smeed the hard hitting right handed batter who played for England Under 19s in 2021 and in the U19 World Cup in the Caribbean in 2022 stepped out of the shadows and set the tone for the Cidermen’s victory over table toppers Surrey.

George  set out his stall from the off and blasted 40 off just 25 balls with six fours and two sixes, and then to prove it was no flash in the pan two days later he scored a run a  ball 29 in an opening partnership of 81 with Tom Banton as Somerset crushed Hampshire at Southampton. 

Talking straight after the Surrey match a clearly delighted Thomas said: “I am over the moon, I put in a performance and we came away with a win which is what I wanted.

“I wasn’t expecting to play, but unfortunately Smeedy (Will Smeed) was out injured. I am grateful for the opportunity and loved being out there in the middle.”

What were his instructions before he went out to bat?

“Hit the ball hard, which is what I think I am best at and as long as I am doing that Im doing alright- just back yourself and hit the ball hard.

“Before today I said to myself this is what I have always thought of doing. Coming through the age groups this is always what you want- playing in a Friday night T20 in front of a full house at Taunton is where you want to be . It was special to walk out there with Bants (Tom Banton) who I’m good mates with was pretty special. I loved every minute of it.”