Benson and Hedges Cricket

Somerset stage the biggest match at The County Ground for two years when they play Yorkshire on Wednesday in the quarter finals of the Benson and Hedges Cup.

The good news for Somerset is that they will include England stars Andy Caddick and Marcus Trescothick in their line up, dispelling rumours that they might not be able to play because of their England duties. Chief Executive Peter Anderson said, "Their England contracts state quite clearly that they are available for the Benson's matches so they will be playing."

Also likely to return to the side is Keith Parsons who has been out for a couple of weeks receiving treatment for a knee injury. The final make up of the team is likely to be left until the morning of the match and will depend upon player fitness and the conditions.

Somerset have met Yorkshire on three occasions in this competition and each time have been victorious. In 1981 in the quarter-finals at Headingley the Cidermen won by 3 wickets, in 1989, again at Headingley they won by 62 runs and in 1992 Somerset won a low scoring match at Taunton by 23 runs.

Since the Benson and Hedges Cup competition started in 1972 Somerset have reached the quarter final stage five times, the last time being in 1997 when they disappointingly lost by 20 runs to Leicestershire at Grace Road , after Harvey Trump had taken 4 for 51.

Yorkshire have reached the quarter finals on six occasions the last time being in 2000 when they lost to Surrey by 7 runs at Headingley.

Somerset have been finalists and won the cup twice , in 1981 and 1982, whilst Yorkshire have appeared in the final three times, and won in 1987.

If Somerset are successful on Wednesday they will go through to the semi finals which are due to be played on Monday June 25th, with the final taking place at Lord's on Saturday July 14th.

The last big match at the County Ground was against Surrey in the semi finals of the Nat West Trophy in 1999. On that occasion it was sell out, and Somerset are expecting the same for this match so if you haven't got your ticket yet contact the club office 01823 272946.