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Roelof van der Merwe commits to Somerset until 2023

Netherlands allrounder to stay at Taunton for at least two more seasons after contract extension

Roelof van der Merwe celebrates a breakthrough for Somerset  •  Getty Images

Roelof van der Merwe celebrates a breakthrough for Somerset  •  Getty Images

Roelof van der Merwe, Somerset's South Africa-born, Netherlands allrounder, will remain with the club at least until the end of the 2023 season after signing a one-year contract extension.
Van der Merwe, 36, joined the club in 2011 on a short-term contract before returning in 2016, and has since established himself as an important member of the Somerset squad across all three formats, with his left-arm spin complemented by his hard-hitting lower-order batting.
He was awarded with his County Cap after playing a key part in Somerset's Royal London Cup triumph in 2019, and he also holds the record for the highest score by a Somerset player in a 50-over match, after making a match-winning 165 not out against Surrey at Taunton in 2017. He also featured in the inaugural season of the Hundred, after being signed by London Spirit.
"I'm really pleased to have extended my time at Somerset," van der Merwe said. "We have a great group of guys here and I genuinely feel that we are on the verge of something exceptional.
"The club holds a very special place in my heart, and I will be doing everything that I can to make sure that we win games of cricket and claim the silverware that the players and our brilliant Members deserve."
Van der Merwe was recently on national duty with the Netherlands at the T20 World Cup in the UAE, having qualified in 2015. Prior to that, he played 13 ODIs and 13 T20Is for South Africa in 2009-10, including the 2009 T20 World Cup in England.
SCCC Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, added: "Roelof is a quality performer across the three formats of the game. His drive, determination and will to succeed are second to none and he is a genuine team man. He is exceptional both on the field and in the dressing room, and all his domestic and international experience make him an outstanding role model for our aspirational players to learn from.
"His passion for the game is infectious and his contributions with the bat, the ball and in the field are of the highest standard. I can confirm that we are once again able to register Roelof as a local player."