Scotland’s Andrew Umeed joins Somerset till 2023

Somerset County Cricket Club (SCCC) have announced the signing of Andrew Umeed, effective today.

Umeed played for Scotland as an opener, making his first-class debut against Afghanistan in 2015.

The 26-year-old has played for Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC), where he struck his maiden County ton on his debut.

Umeed has consistently featured for Somerset's Second XI this season, having scored a 125 against Glamorgan Second XI in the Second Eleven Championship last month.

Somerset's Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, revealed that the club were impressed with the Glasgow-born's work ethic playing for the Second XI, which eventually led to his signing.

Hurry said in an official statement: “We have been impressed with what we have seen from Andy during his time with us this summer. Andy’s story is a great reflection of his determination to succeed.

"Having had the opportunity to observe him within the Second XI Championship this summer, where his assuredness, approach and method to scoring runs has impressed both coaches and fellow players, we are delighted he has agreed to join the Club and we look forward to seeing his journey within the game continue to evolve”. 

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Umeed also has an unwanted record of scoring the second-slowest hundred in the County Championship.

Playing for Warwickshire, the right-handed opener took 420 minutes to reach his 100, which came on the 220th ball he faced against Lancashire.

Meanwhile, Umeed sounded extremely pleased to be back playing cricket.

 “I’m really grateful for this opportunity and it means everything to me. Being a cricketer is all I’ve ever wanted to do.

“My journey has highlighted how much I love playing cricket. Being out of the game has given me perspective and made me realise just how lucky I am to be able to keep pursuing my dream.

“There have been ups and downs in my career so far, but this goes to show that if you keep doing your best and work hard then the rewards will come.

“The South Asian Cricket Academy have helped me a lot. They’ve given me the opportunity to train through the winter and given me access to quality coaches. That has helped me to bridge that gap between club cricket and the professional game.” he concluded.

Umeed has played 15 FC games, scoring 497 at an average of 20.70. His only List-A game was against West Indies A in 2018, where he scored 28.

He has been part of two ICC Under-19 World Cups for Scotland.

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