Chief Executive Peter Anderson responds to England manager's reported remarks

Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson was back at his desk at the County Ground this morning after returning from a few days away, and reflected on the recent events out in New Zealand.

He told me, "Somerset as a club is an England supporter, and like everyone else was disappointed that they lost the one day series to New Zealand."

Mr Anderson continued, "However it was a great effort to come back from two nil down which was also the case against India, so there is clear evidence that the England side is improving in the One Day discipline."

The Somerset chief went on, "I, together with my coaches, were very disappointed to read Duncan Fletcher's reported remarks intimating that some of the England players could not dive about on the field in an effective manner, and that it was the fault of the counties."

He continued,"It is easy to say these things and by doing so Duncan Fletcher raises the criticism from the counties that whatever the players shortcomings are it is never his fault."

Mr Anderson concluded, "The question he needs to answer is that where there are shortcomings in his players does he ever liaise with county coaches and if so how often. If he has done so and the fault still exists then the counties would accept the blame, but so must he as the England manager and his coaches"