Josh Thomas completed an exceptional first full season for Somerset in 2026, accumulating 843 runs across all 14 County Championship matches as a 20-year-old opening batter. The young cricketer struck three centuries during the campaign, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Somerset’s top order alongside Tom Lammonby. His rapid rise came after making his debut in the final match of 2025 against Essex, where he grafted against quality bowling to make an immediate impression.
That early opportunity proved pivotal in shaping Thomas’s trajectory. The experience of facing a strong attack in his debut match gave him confidence heading into the 2026 season, when he was selected to open the innings from April onwards. His willingness to seize that chance set the foundation for what would become a breakthrough year.
“I would have definitely taken the season I had before the start of it. I got my chance in the last game of 2025 against Essex, when I had to graft against a good quality attack. It was very nice getting the runs especially with it being my debut and it put my name out there. It has helped me with this season as well and starting in the team in April. I took my opportunity and it paid off for me,” Thomas was quoted as saying by Somerset County Gazette.
How did Thomas break into Somerset’s first team?
The pathway to Somerset’s first team became clear to Thomas early in his development. Opening the innings represented the only realistic route into the county side, and during his time in the second XI, he actively pursued that position. His determination to bat at the top of the order proved decisive in securing his place.
“The only way into the first team was as an opener which was the only gap I saw. Playing in the Seconds I had to put my hand up and say I wanted to open the innings. I ended up doing alright and just loving doing the job. I never thought that I’d be an opener but now I’m loving it and hopefully I can carry on at the top of the order for as long as possible.”
The partnership between Thomas and Lammonby developed into one of Somerset’s most productive opening combinations throughout the season. The two batters built a strong understanding in the middle, communicating effectively during both successful phases and challenging periods. Thomas emphasised the importance of their mutual support when form dipped.
“‘Lammers’ is one of my best mates in the team and we get along so well out there in the middle. We kind of know each others games and what we need to say to each other when things aren’t going so well or when they are going well. You can go through bad periods as an opener but we have got to stick together and keep doing the right things,” he added.
What does Thomas say about his opening partnership?
Reflecting on his individual performances, Thomas identified a specific area for improvement during the winter break. While his consistency had been strong throughout the season, he felt he had not yet produced the largest possible individual scores. This became a focal point for his preparation away from the county circuit.
“Looking back I think that when I have got in I would have liked to have gone bigger with my scoring. I didn’t have any big hundreds so that’s something I can work on during the winter. However I try not to look too far ahead and take things as they come,” Thomas said.
Thomas headed to Fremantle Cricket Club in Australia for winter cricket, where he intended to continue developing his game at the top of the order. The standard of cricket available at the club gave him confidence in maximising his time in the middle during the off-season.
“The standard of cricket at Fremantle Cricket Club is very good and I will be looking to bat in the top order as much as possible, to get more time out in the middle,” he added.
Thomas’s maiden season for Somerset in 2026 saw him score 843 runs across 14 County Championship matches at the age of 20, striking three centuries in his breakthrough campaign.
