Somerset boss to talk to England coach about availability of Test stars

Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson is to make representation to Duncan Fletcher after being told that his two England contracted players will not be available to play for the county after the Cheltenham and Gloucester Final at Lord's on Saturday.

Originally it had been assumed that the two players would return to Somerset to play in the last two Championship matches of the season, against Essex at Chelmsford on September 5th, and Northants at Taunton on September 12th. Their presence could well be a deciding factor in whether or not 'The Cidermen' finish in second place which would will be the highest championship finish that the county has ever achieved in its history.

Earlier today the Chief Executive commented: "It seems that out of all the contracted players Nasser Hussein, Andy Caddick and Marcus Trescothick are the only fit ones who are not being released to play for their counties for the rest of the season. Somerset are not happy about this situation and are planning to make representation to Duncan Fletcher." He went on: "It's down to the individuals to try to get their release if they want to play for Somerset."

Regarding the England overseas touring parties that were announced on Tuesday Mr. Anderson said: "One must feel sorry for Richard Johnson for not being selected after being called up to the squad on three occasions. We must assume that he will be on standby and ready to fly out if there are any injuries."

He continued: "We are surprised that Ian Blackwell hasn't been named in the one-day squad after the season he has had, and even more so that he hasn't been included in the Academy side. Somerset nominated Matt Bulbeck and Pete Trego, but neither have played enough to justify their selection."

With regard to Matt Bulbeck he continued: "We are sending Matt out to Perth in Australia to the Paul Terry School after Christmas to help him to prepare for next season."