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New Deal for Jess
Somerset County Cricket Club is pleased to announce that Jess Hazell has signed a one -year contract extension.
The 21-year-old University of Exeter student joined the Club ahead of this season on an initial one-year rookie contract but has now agreed to a full contract for 2026.
After making her way through the County’s Age Group system, Jess made her Somerset debut in 2019 and was an ever-present for the County in the T20 competition just two years later. She was also a part of the Somerset squad that lifted a County T20 title under lights at the Cooper Associates County Ground in 2023.
Jess was selected onto the Western Storm Academy in 2021 and made her full debut for Storm in 2024 against South East Stars at the Cooper Associates County Ground in the Rachel Heyhoe-Flint Trophy.
Jess featured in two Metro Bank One Day Cup matches for Somerset this season, scoring 110 runs at an average of 55. She also represented the Club in five Vitality Blast fixtures.
After signing her extension, Jess said: “I’m really excited to have signed a new contract because I thoroughly enjoyed my first season. It’s an absolute privilege to have been a part of the first professional Somerset Women squad and it’s something that I’ll never forget.
“I’m really pleased that I can continue my cricketing journey with my home county. I want to build on what I achieved this summer, help the team win and make a name for myself in a Somerset shirt.
“The support that we received was incredible and it was nice to walk out in front of so many supporters at Taunton. It was great to see so many young girls watching us and we need to be role models for them because we want to be inspiring the next generation.
“From a personal perspective, I would like to play a key role for the team in 2026 and contribute to as many wins as possible. As far as the team are concerned, we’re determined to put in the hard work this winter so that we can be challenging for silverware and medals next summer.”
Somerset Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry added: “We’ve seen real growth in both her glove work and batting over the past year plus she’s demonstrated the ability to compete at this level. Her innings and maiden 50 against Essex earlier in the season is a great example of that.
“This extension gives Jess a great opportunity to continue with that hard work and develop her game.”
