Somerset have handed new contracts to eight players as part of their preparations for 2014.

Tom Abell, Alex Barrow, Adam Dibble, Lewis Gregory, Chris Jones, Steven Kirby, Jack Leach and Max Waller have all committed their futures to the county.

Director of Cricket Dave Nosworthy said: "This is great news for the club and I am sure all members will be delighted to retain such an exciting group of players who can make such a significant contribution to the future of the club.

"Contracts have taken some time to resolve this year; inevitably having arrived at the start of the season it was important for me to assess the players capabilities and potential. I am really excited by the combination of youth and experience in our squad which bodes well for the future and I am delighted that these players have committed themselves to the club.

"It is self-evident that we are still in discussions with a couple of senior players and we are doing everything we can to make sure they stay at Somerset. We will of course let members know as soon as these have been resolved."

Somerset are currently struggling in the LV= County Championship Division One, having lost four and drawn five of their opening 10 fixtures.