SOMERSET have announced all-rounder Lewis Gregory as their new captain for the 2018 Natwest T20 Blast campaign.

The 25-year-old led the side in Jim Allenby's absence during last season's T20 quarter-final defeat at Trent Bridge, as well as taking on the role for the County Championship victory in Scarborough, and will now take on the T20 role full-time.

Gregory showed promise in a new role as a pinch-hitting opener during last season's campaign, and also took 12 wickets with his seamers.

He will now have the chance to help mould the side how he sees fit, with news awaited of any overseas arrivals to bolster the squad in the shortest format.

Gregory told the club website: “To captain Somerset in the T20 Blast this year will be an absolute honour. To have my name on the Captain’s Board alongside some of the great names in the Club’s history is a huge privilege.

“I had a little taste of captaincy last year and I’m delighted that I’ll get the chance to lead such a talented squad and try to take our T20 game forward.

"It’s an exciting time for the Club and we have the ability in this squad to beat the best and challenge for silverware.”

Tom Abell will captain Somerset in the other two competitions - the County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup.