Somerset fast bowler Riley Meredith will be sidelined for the first six games of the T20 Blast after being selected by Australia for their series against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The 29-year-old had returned to Somerset for a third consecutive T20 campaign, having played a key role in the team’s title win last year and their runner-up finish in 2024. However, his international commitments will see him feature in the ODI series in Pakistan and the T20I tour of Bangladesh from 30 May to 14 June.
Meredith is expected back for Somerset’s derby clash with Gloucestershire on 26 June. As a result, he will miss home fixtures against Hampshire (22 May) and Glamorgan (4 June), as well as away matches at Warwickshire (24 May), Glamorgan (29 May), Gloucestershire (5 June), and Warwickshire (7 June).
The pace bowler was the standout performer in the 2025 Blast, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 28 scalps in 14 matches.
“Representing your country is the highest honour in sport, and we are delighted for Riley,” said Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry. “The current global cricket schedule means such situations can arise, and we will work behind the scenes to assess all options until Riley returns later in June.”
Meanwhile, Gloucestershire all-rounder Liam Scott will also miss the same number of T20 Blast fixtures after being included in the Australia squad.
