J T Langridge is likely to remember Friday August 11 for a long time because thats the day that the 17-year-old made his Somerset First XI debut, writes Richard Walsh.

It was in the Metro Bank One Day Cup competition against Sussex in front of his home crowd at Taunton.

The tall youngster who is a left arm fast bowler who plays his club cricket for Ilminster joined the Academy last Autumn and since then has played on several occasions for the Second XI  before playing for Somerset in their away matches against Devon and Cornwall.

However on Friday he made his full debut for the county opening the bowling from the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion and taking one wicket for 17 from the three overs he bowled.

It was perhaps appropriate that JT should be making his debut against Sussex because in the past his family has had strong  connections with the south coast county.

Talking immediately after leaving the field JT (which stands for James Thomas) said: “It was honestly amazing to be out there on the pitch playing for Somerset today.

"It has been great to be able to spend time with the squad over the last few weeks and I have learned such a lot from them and today it has given me the chance to put that into action.

I only found out this morning that I was playing and it came as quite a shock. Its been really nice to have played against Sussex and I have had great fun out there.

"It wasn’t the best that I have bowled but I was really lucky and managed to pick up a wicket. I think I was a bit unlucky not to have got more and on another day the chances may have gone to hand but Im happy with what I got."

He added that it felt amazing to be playing in front of a big crowd.

"It was really good to be out playing in front of a big crowd - I really enjoyed it and it was nice to have everyone behind me. Having made my debut and enjoyed the experience it makes me hungry to want for more and I'd love to keep playing for the team."

When JT returns to Malvern College in the autumn he will be in the Upper Sixth.

"I am hoping at the end of my time at school that I will get a contract but at the moment I am enjoying my cricket and taking any opportunities that I get.

"This is a great competition for youngsters like me to get the opportunity to play county cricket."

Former Somerset left arm seamer Mark Davis who was commentating on the match for BBC Somerset will have no doubt been delighted with JT’s success.

“Mark Davis was my first coach when I was much younger and has done a lot for me both bowling and batting when I was at Queen’s College so has played quite a big part in helping me.”