Webley to face the fastest in the world !!!

Bournemouth left-hander Tom Webley made his County Championship debut for Somerset today - against the fastest bowler in the world !

Webley is expected to open the Somerset batting against Durham at the Riverside, with Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar - the Rawalpindi Express - steaming in at the other end.

"It certainly promises to be a baptism of fire, but it will be a great experience for me," Webley said last night.

Webley, 20, who lives with his parents in Corfe Mullen, got his full county call up after a string of encouraging performances for Somerset's 2nd XI and Academy sides.

"Tom did well at the Cambridge UCCE at the start of the season, has been batting well in the second team and thoroughly deserves his chance," praised Somerset 2nd XI coach Mark Garaway.

Webley, who played for Bournemouth colts as a 14-year old and graduated into the club's Premier League side three years ago, hit a First Class century for Cambridge UCCE against Northants at Fenners in May.

A former pupil at King's Taunton, Webley is studying at Anglia University.