Riley Meredith set to miss Somerset’s first six T20 Blast games in 2026

Somerset’s Riley Meredith will miss the first six T20 Blast fixtures of 2026 after being called up for Australia’s tours.

Somerset bowler’s international call-up Somerset’s pace bowler Riley Meredith is set to miss the opening six matches of the 2026 T20 Blast after securing a spot in Australia’s squad for their series against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Meredith had rejoined Somerset for his third straight T20 campaign this summer, having helped the side win the title last year and reach the final in 2024. The 29-year-old’s availability for the Blast will now be delayed due to his international commitments. His return is scheduled for the June 26 derby against Gloucestershire. ## Australia’s tour schedule clash Meredith will participate in Australia’s One-Day International series in Pakistan and the T20 tour of Bangladesh, which run from May 30 to June 14. This means he will be absent for Somerset’s matches against Hampshire on May 22, at Warwickshire on May 24, and Glamorgan on May 29. Additional fixtures he will miss include home games against Glamorgan on June 4 and away games at Gloucestershire on June 5 and Warwickshire on June 7. ## Top wicket-taker’s absence impact In the 2025 Blast, Meredith led the wicket-taking charts with 28 dismissals across 14 appearances. Somerset’s cricket director Andy Hurry acknowledged the significance of international duty. He stated, "Representing your country is the highest honour that you can achieve in sport and we are obviously pleased for Riley." Hurry also noted that the packed international schedule can lead to such situations and added that the club is exploring all options until Meredith’s return later in June. ## Another Australian player affected Gloucestershire all-rounder Liam Scott will also be unavailable for the same six T20 Blast games after being named in Australia’s squad.