Abell, 29, was handed the Somerset captaincy ahead of the 2017 season and led the club to victory in the 2019 Royal London Cup and a trio of runners-up finishes in red-ball competitions – a second-place finish in the county. Championship in 2018 and 2019, and the Bob Willis Trophy final in the Covid-affected summer of 2020.
Somerset took silver in 2023 with victory in the Vitality Blast; However, Lewis Gregory had taken the reins at Abell after reaching the semi-finals of the previous season, and with a disappointing seventh place finish in the championship coinciding with a drop in his own form, Abell has decided to resign from his role.
“I resign with a heavy heart,” Abell said. “As a Somerset boy, it has been a great privilege to captain the club and the experience has been incredible. It hasn’t been an easy decision, but I’ve thought about it a lot and I think it’s best for the team.” And the club. Sometimes change can be a good thing and I think now is the right time. My decision is based entirely on what I think is best for us moving forward.
“Over the last seven seasons there have been great moments and difficult moments. I am very grateful for the support I have received, and Andy Hurry and Jason Kerr have been tremendous allies. I have had a tremendous support network behind me, especially my family , and I have been lucky to be part of great teams with great players, who have helped me stay in work for so long.
Abell came close to international honors earlier this year, when he was named in England’s white-ball squad for their tour of Bangladesh in March, only to withdraw with a side injury.
“I didn’t have a great season in 2023 and it can be difficult to lead when you’re not necessarily happy with your own performance,” he said. “This will give me the opportunity to get back to where I need to be, which helps Somerset win cricket matches.”
Somerset Director of Cricket Hurry said Abell had led the club with “distinction” during his seven seasons in charge.
“Everyone connected with Somerset will agree that he has been an absolute credit to the club, both on and off the field,” Hurry said. “His conduct, commitment, leadership and dedication have been exemplary during his tenure and have been written into the history of the club forever.”