Johnson signs for Somerset

Somerset have signed the former Middlesex seamer Richard Johnson on a five-year deal.

Johnson, 25, is Somerset's second winter recruit from Middlesex, joining Keith Dutch at Taunton.

A fit Johnson is a genuine contender for a Test place. He was selected for the tour of South Africa in 1995-96, but a back problem forced him to withdraw even before the party set off. Very much in the Angus Fraser mould, his loss will be keenly felt at Lord's. He took 50 first-class wickets this summer for the struggling London club, and is a capable lower order batsman.

Johnson is seen as a replacement for Andy Caddick, again expected to miss most of the county season on England duty. Caddick played for Somerset just three times in the championship in 2000.

Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson explained: "Our captain Jamie Cox was keen to sign a replacement strike bowler for Caddick, which has been achieved by our coach Kevin Shine in the face of stern competition.

"He is keen to bowl well on the bouncy Taunton pitches, thereby hoping the England selectors will take note."