London, November 4 (Udaipur Kiran) — England spinner Jack Leach has signed a new contract with his county side Somerset after confirming that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has released him from its central contract list.

Leach, who has represented England in 39 Test matches, last played international cricket during the tour of Pakistan last year. Despite being the only spinner to take 50 wickets in this year’s County Championship, he was replaced by Will Jacks as England’s backup spinner.

Leach had been under a central contract with the ECB since the 2021–22 season. Somerset announced on Monday that the 33-year-old spinner has extended his deal with the club by two more years, keeping him at Taunton until 2028.

England is yet to announce its central contracts for the 2025–26 season. However, Leach told the BBC that Managing Director Rob Key had informed him his contract would not be renewed.

“My contract had expired, and Rob Key told me I wouldn’t be part of the Ashes squad either,” Leach said in a statement. “That was really disappointing because it was my main goal. Now I’ll focus on improving myself and working hard to earn a place back in the team.”

Meanwhile, Somerset’s main spinner Shoaib Bashir is reportedly set to leave the club, having not played in any format this season. He is expected to receive a new ECB central contract.

Elsewhere, Sussex have signed batting all-rounder Jack Leaning from Kent on a three-year deal, while Calvin Harrison, who impressed during a loan spell with Northamptonshire this season, has joined the club on a permanent basis.