England batter Tom Banton signs new white-ball only contract with Somerset, raises doubts over First-Class future

England batter Tom Banton has signed a new white-ball deal with Somerset, keeping him at the county for at least until the end of the 2028 domestic season. The deal has huge implications for the right-handed batter's red-ball future, having taken a break from the longest format of the game. 

Banton credited the County Championship for developing his game and giving him some of the best moments in his professional career. The 27-year-old has his name etched into Somerset's history after registering

their highest individual score in First-Class cricket, scoring 371 against Worcestershire at Taunton in 2025. However, his red-ball form has since dropped, and he has not featured for his home county at all this season, even opting out of the two matchday squads to focus on white-ball cricket.

"I’m delighted to have extended my stay with Somerset although this has been a really difficult decision because red ball cricket has played a huge part in helping me develop my game, and some of my best memories have come in the County Championship. The win over Surrey at home a few years ago was so enjoyable, and achieving the Club’s highest First-Class score is something I’m really proud of," Tom Banton said on Somerset's website. 

Despite penning a new white-ball contract, Banton suggests that he has not closed the doors on making a First-Class return in the future. The top-order batter cited challenges of playing multiple formats as the reason to opt for a limited-overs only contract. Having signed this new deal, the England international will only be seen representing Somerset in the T20 Blast, with the One Day Cup usually coinciding with The Hundred, where Banton is set to represent the Trent Rockets. 

“I know how much the County Championship means to our Members and supporters and I’m not closing the door permanently on four-day cricket. My decision has come after a lot of open and amicable discussions with Andy Hurry and Jason Kerr over a considerable period of time. Given the demands and challenges of playing in and moving between all formats, I believe that focusing on white-ball cricket is the right approach for me at this stage of my career. I love playing for Somerset and I am very grateful for all the support I’ve received from the Club and the fans so far in my career and I’m looking forward to hopefully putting in some good performances for the Club in the years ahead," Banton added. 

It is worth mentioning that Banton has been named in England's T20I squad ahead of their five-match series against India starting in July. He has played six matches for Somerset in the 2026 T20 Blast, scoring 199 runs at a strike-rate of 177.67, whilst averaging 33.16. 

Banton is not the only England international to recently sign a white-ball contract with their county. Former captain Jos Buttler did the same with Lancashire earlier this season.