Surrey Sign Mahipal Lomror as Somerset Add Henry Nicholls for County Championship Run-In

Surrey have signed India batter Mahipal Lomror on a six-match deal for the remainder of the County Championship season, while Somerset have brought in New Zealand international Henry Nicholls to strengthen their batting for the final stages of the campaign.

Lomror, 26, will join Surrey ahead of their home Championship fixture against Nottinghamshire on Thursday. The left-handed batter has played 63 first-class matches and averages 42.62, with 62 wickets to his name with left-arm orthodox spin.

Surrey moved for Lomror after Will Jacks became unavailable due to an ankle injury and Dan Lawrence was recalled to England's Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan, beginning August 19.

Surrey director of men's cricket Alec Stewart said Lomror's ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an important addition to the squad.

“With the loss of Lawrence and Jacks' ability to bowl spin, it was important to add a batter who can bowl some overs of spin when required for the final stage of the season,” Stewart said.

Lomror said the opportunity to play County Championship cricket would allow him to experience a new environment and learn from an experienced group of players.

His standout first-class performance came in November 2024, when he scored an unbeaten 300 for Rajasthan against Uttarakhand.

Surrey currently sit seventh in Division One with 91 points from eight matches. Their remaining Championship fixtures include home games against Yorkshire and Glamorgan, along with away matches against Essex, Sussex and Somerset.

Somerset Sign Henry Nicholls

Somerset, meanwhile, have signed experienced New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls for the final six rounds of the County Championship.

The 34-year-old is expected to arrive in England in time for Somerset's Championship clash against Essex later this week. His signing comes as Somerset continue their push for a maiden County Championship title.

Somerset are currently second in Division One, five points behind defending champions Nottinghamshire. The club have strengthened their batting after Tom Banton stepped away from red-ball cricket earlier in the season and Jordan Hermann ended his short overseas stint.

Nicholls has previous experience of English domestic cricket and believes the move provides an opportunity to help Somerset challenge for their first Championship title.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to help Somerset win their first County Championship title,” Nicholls said. “I’ve played in England before, so I know how much red-ball cricket means to the members and supporters.”

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry welcomed the signing, describing Nicholls as a batter of genuine quality with valuable international and English domestic experience.

“Henry is a batter of genuine quality and is an excellent addition to the squad,” Hurry said. “He has played and performed at the very highest level and has a wealth of experience to add to our batting line-up.”

With both Surrey and Somerset battling through the final stages of the Championship season, Lomror and Nicholls are expected to play important roles as the two sides look to strengthen their squads for the run-in.