Yorkshire have announced that bowling all-rounder Dom Bess has signed a new two-year contract, committing his future until at least the end of 2026.

Former England Test spinner Bess, 27, has spent the last four seasons at Headingley, having joined from his home county Somerset.

In the latter half of this season, his red-ball performances have been key, as Yorkshire stand on the brink of promotion back to Division One of the Vitality County Championship.

In his chief role as an off-spinner, he has claimed 14 wickets at an average of 26.92, including figures of 7/179 in a marathon effort against promotion rivals Middlesex.

But his batting has been stronger than ever this year, and he has produced some vital knocks in the second half of the season, as Yorkshire have really hit their straps.

He is on 197 County Championship runs for the season, averaging a superb 49.25 in the process, with two half-centuries to his name.

Bess is about to hit a milestone too, as he looks set to make his 100th first-class appearance when Yorkshire’s crucial final game against Northamptonshire gets underway (today’s opening day at Headingley was washed out).

Discussing his new deal, he said: “I’m very grateful that I’ve got another two years at the club.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Yorkshire so far, so I’m really happy to continue my time here and I will look to keep improving my game at such a big club.”

Dom Bess' batting has caught the eye this season, with his high score this 60 not out against Middlesex at Headingley.Dom Bess' batting has caught the eye this season, with his high score this 60 not out against Middlesex at Headingley. (Image: Ray Spencer.)

After a challenging two years on the field for the county in 2022 and 2023, Bess is now confident those good times are just around the corner.

“For sure, in a big way,” he said.

“You look at the lads coming through, aligned with the senior boys such as Adam Lyth and Jonny Tattersall, and there’s a real nice blend there. Hopefully this coming week we can do the business, and we can carry that on into Division One.

“We’ve started to see the young lads stand up and perform. The way Fin Bean and Lythy have formed an opening partnership has been exceptional.

“Lythy takes real responsibility, and Beany has shown his class time and time again.

“You reinforce that with the likes of James Wharton and Will Luxton. It will be a great opportunity for them to push on next year.

“George Hill, you look at how important he is to our team. He stands at first slip at 23-years-old, he bowls the tougher overs up the hill and into the wind, and he’s a top six batter who can bat anywhere. That’s the flexibility of a luxury player.

“There’s him and Matthew Revis, intertwined with the senior boys, which is so important.

“If you can get overseas and fill the gaps in, added to the England lads when they’re available, we have a great squad.

“And we haven’t even spoken about the bowlers.

“Unfortunately, Matthew Fisher is going to be leaving the club, but in the likes of Matt Milnes, Ben Coad, Ben Cliff, Jordan Thompson and Dan Moriarty, we’re in a really good place.”

On an individual level, Bess’ year has picked up after a slow start.

He said: “I didn’t start the summer in the side, and that was then down to myself to really put my hand up when I got an opportunity.

“It’s obviously a non-negotiable about where I am with a spinner and what needs to be done.

“With some of the wickets we have at Headingley when it doesn’t spin, it’s about holding an end up and building pressure that way.

“That came to the fore against Middlesex when I bowled 70 overs. I was really proud of how I went about that.

“I also like to pride myself on trying to get higher up the order with the bat but, more importantly, making runs count when they’re needed.”

Alongside his five Championship appearances to date in 2024, Bess has been an ever-present in limited overs cricket for Yorkshire this summer, taking 21 wickets.

“I spoke initially with the first management team about how we wanted to push my white ball game, and they saw a lot of potential in that,” he said.

“Since then, there’s been continued development through the years of playing and understanding my own game.

“The T20 side, I’ve been in it since I joined, and I feel like I have a real clear understanding of my role within that set-up.”