One-day success best hope for Cider Boys

Somerset hope to build on last year's C&G Trophy win

Test Match Special commentator Simon Mann assesses Somerset's chances in the 2002 County Championship.

It is asking a lot for Somerset to improve on 2001 - the best season in the club's history as they won the C&G Trophy and finished runners-up to Yorkshire in the Championship.

With Marcus Trescothick and Andy Caddick unavailable, they do not have sufficient all-round strength to win the Championship, but they are capable of a top four finish and more success in one-day.

It was significant that Somerset tried to sign James Ormond during the winter. It is an indication of the club's ambition and an acceptance that their attack needs more quality, especially in Caddick's absence.

He has played only five championship matches in the last two seasons and the situation is unlikely to change in the near future.

  Championship prediction

Not quite good enough to win it

Richard Johnson (62 wickets at 23.77) and Steffan Jones (59 wickets at 34.15) carried the attack last summer, but there is not much strength in depth.

Two pace bowlers were shed over the winter, and one signed.

Simon Francis' arrival from Hampshire is a gamble. He is a young bowler with an ordinary record and he did not feature in Hampshire's championship team last season.

The departures of Jamie Grove and Jason Kerr were merely a prudent trimming of the wage bill.

Consequently, two young bowlers have the chance to establish themselves but there are question marks over both.

Johnson remains on the fringe of the England squad

Matthew Bulbeck has been severely restricted by a back injury for the past two seasons. He took 50 wickets in 1999 but has played only seven championship games since then.

Peter Trego, a potential all-rounder who does not lack self-confidence, demonstrated his promise in 2000 but failed to make an impact in his second season.

Jamie Cox returns for his fourth season as captain. In two of his three seasons, he has averaged over 50 and his runs will be vital again.

The side will continue to benefit from the experience of Peter Bowler, Rob Turner and Michael Burns, while the challenge for Keith Dutch is maintain the standards set in his first season with the county.

It is hard to assess the significance of Mark Lathwell's surprising decision to retire at the age of 30. Those who saw his superb century for England A against a strong New South Wales attack in Sydney in 1993 wonder why he failed to make the most of his talent.

  Somerset 2002

Captain and overseas player: Jamie Cox

Coach: Kevin Shine

Main signings: Simon Francis (Hampshire)

Main departures: Jamie Grove (Leicestershire), Jason Kerr (Derbyshire), Mark Lathwell (retired)

Even so, he played in 13 Championship games last season, making 702 runs at 35.10 and passing 50 eight times; Somerset will need to find those runs from somewhere.

Matthew Wood is likely to be the main beneficiary. In his first season, he averaged 43.90 from six games and is sure to be given more opportunities.

Ian Blackwell is another player worth watching. He missed out on selection for England's one-day squad but if he continues to improve, he might be hard to ignore.

He is a powerful striker of the ball and hit four championship centuries last summer. His lack of mobility in the field and moderate record with the ball probably counted against him.

Like Caddick, Trescothick's appearances will be limited. Somerset adjusted well enough last summer. They should do so again although they need to avoid injuries to key players, in particular the opening bowlers.