Cricket is a funny game. One minute you’re standing at the top of your mark at the Gabba, and the next, you're the experienced head guiding a county side through the grind of a rainy Tuesday in Taunton. Jake Ball, the former England paceman, has lived through the highest highs and some pretty brutal lows that the sport can throw at a guy.
Honestly, if you haven't checked in on him lately, you've missed a bit of a career resurgence. He isn't just "that guy who played in the Ashes" anymore. As of early 2026, he’s basically become the backbone of the Somerset attack.
The Somerset Shift and the 2026 Extension
Let’s be real—leaving Nottinghamshire after 15 years was a massive deal. Jake Ball was part of the furniture at Trent Bridge. But sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what the doctor ordered. He moved to Somerset ahead of the 2024 season, and he didn't just show up; he dominated.
He’s currently 34, turning 35 this March. Most fast bowlers are looking at the commentary box or a comfy coaching gig at that age. Not Jake. He recently signed a contract extension that keeps him at the Cooper Associates County Ground until the end of the 2026 season. He's still hungry.
"I want to be playing more County Championship cricket in 2026," Ball mentioned after signing. "I’m feeling fit and strong."
It's a bold claim for a man who has dealt with his fair share of injuries. But the stats don't lie. During Somerset’s Vitality Blast win in late 2024, he was the guy they turned to at the death. He took 2 for 26 in the final against Hampshire, proving that the old dog still has all the tricks.
Why the England Stats Don't Tell the Whole Story
If you just look at his Test average of 114.33, you’re doing him a massive disservice. It's easy to look at a number and say "he didn't make it." But context matters.
He was thrown into the 2017/18 Ashes—a tour that has chewed up and spat out much more famous names than his. He dealt with a sprained ankle in a warm-up match in Adelaide that basically ruined his rhythm before the first Test even started. That's the sort of luck that follows you.
However, check his ODI debut. 5 for 51 against Bangladesh in Mirpur. First England player to ever take a five-fer on ODI debut.
Think about that.
In the stifling heat of Dhaka, he did something no other England legend ever managed.
A Quick Reality Check on the Numbers
- Tests: 4 matches, 3 wickets. (Tough gig, let’s be honest).
- ODIs: 18 matches, 21 wickets. Much better.
- First-Class Wickets: Over 240. This is where he really lives.
- T20 Wickets: Over 180. He's a genuine short-form specialist now.
He spent 2025 doing some "freelance" work too. He had short-term loan spells at Durham and Kent. It’s sort of like a veteran hired gun. Teams need a guy who can bowl 90mph (or close to it) and won't wet the bed when the pressure is on. That's Jake.
The "Uncle Bruce" Connection and Cricket Roots
You can't talk about Jake Ball without mentioning Bruce French. His uncle wasn't just a former England wicketkeeper; he was the guy who handed Jake his England cap at Lord's. It's one of those "only in cricket" stories.
Growing up in Mansfield, cricket was basically the family business. His brother, JJ Ball, played, and the family connection to Welbeck Cricket Club is legendary in those parts. He’s a product of the Nottinghamshire pathway, which is arguably one of the best in the world.
But even with that pedigree, the road wasn't smooth. He had a golden duck on his senior debut back in 2009. Imagine that. Your first big game and you’re walking back before you’ve even settled your heart rate. He bounced back by taking a wicket with his first few balls, which kinda defines his whole career: he might get knocked down, but he’s coming back for your off-stump in the next over.
What Most People Get Wrong About Him
People think of him as just a "tall, hit-the-deck" bowler. Sure, he’s 6'6" and he's got a frame that generates natural bounce, but his evolution into a white-ball specialist has been fascinating.
In the 2024/2025 seasons, he’s moved away from just trying to blast people out. He’s developed a slower ball that is genuinely hard to pick and his execution at the death—bowling those wide yorkers—is why Somerset keeps him on the payroll.
There was a time when he was seen as a "filler" for the England side when the big guns (Broad and Anderson) were tired. That's a hard label to shake. But in the domestic circuit, he’s a leader. Younger guys like Josh Davey at Somerset look to him to see how to handle a bad spell.
What’s Left for Jake Ball?
The international ship has probably sailed. Let’s be realistic. England’s "Bazball" era is looking for 95mph teenagers or guys who can hit 40-ball centuries. Ball is a traditionalist in a lot of ways, even with his white-ball skills.
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But 2026 is going to be a massive year for him. He's pushing for a regular spot in Somerset's red-ball side. He wants that County Championship trophy. It’s the one thing missing from a career that has seen him win the T20 Blast and play for his country.
Actionable Insight for Fans and Players: If you’re a young fast bowler, don't just watch his England highlights. Watch how he bowls for Somerset in the Vitality Blast. Watch his wrist position and how he hides the ball during his run-up.
If you're following the 2026 County season, keep an eye on his workload. Somerset is managing him carefully, and when he’s fresh, he’s still one of the most dangerous bowlers in the country. He’s proof that there is plenty of life after the England jersey.
The next step? Keep a close eye on the April and May fixtures for Somerset. That's when the ball will be nipping around, and that's when Jake Ball will be looking to prove he’s still got that red-ball magic. Check the live streams on the Somerset YouTube channel—it’s the best way to see a master of his craft still putting in the shifts.