Mark Garaway back at Taunton after catching up with the Somerset trio on his 'trip of a lifetime'

Mark Garaway, the Director of the Regional Academy and Somerset assistant coach has just returned to the County Ground in Taunton after spending three weeks in Australia.

During his stay `down under', which he described as `the trip of a lifetime' Mark watched everyday of the final two Ashes Test matches at Sydney and Melbourne, during which he caught up with Somerset's England trio, and also spent some time in Cairns.

One thing that amazed Mark was the distance between places out in Australia. He told me: "People who have never been over there don't realize how far it is between places, and that on some trips you cross into a different time zone which is very confusing. It's a tough trip out there for the England players."

Referring to his link up with the Somerset players he told me: "I spent quite a bit of time with Ian Blackwell who was feeling very positive and delighted with what he has done out there. He was a bit frustrated because he didn't play in the Melbourne Test."

He continued: "Andy Caddick was really pleased with the way that he bowled in the final Test. He was by for the pick of the England bowlers and set up the victory."

He went on: "Marcus has got his confidence back, and I believe that this has been helped greatly by the large number of people from Somerset, and Keynsham in particular who have been over their supporting him."

Mark concluded: "All three were all in good spirits, which is very good news for everybody as they go into the VB finals and then the World Cup."