At the County Ground this morning, Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson talked about his two England players Andy Caddick and Marcus Trescothick, who are currently both out in New Zealand.

Mr Anderson told me: "I'm worried about Andy Caddick's morale, as it seems that once again he is in and out of the England side. We all know that the trigger for Andy's confidence level is to feel wanted.

"I was surprised to read Duncan Fletcher comment that Andy missed "a bit of oomph" in his bowling because he hadn't really played for six months.

"That is true and reflects two things. Andy could easily have played in the last two Championship matches, and had there been any meaningful liaison between the England manager, Kevin Shine and the player, we could have put in a structured practice programme for him in November and December.

"Andy is at the age now where even though he doesn't like practice, to continue at the high level he has achieved he has to practice. Cricket history shows us that all the great bowlers of the past started to lose it in their mid thirties.

"By practicing, Andy can probably extend his career beyond that if he wants to.

Regarding Marcus Trescothick, the Somerset Chief said: "Everyone at the club is pleased to note Marcus's continuing impressive performances for England, and looks forward to the day when he is the England captain.

"It is ironic though that following on from all the hoo-hah over Alec Stewart opening the batting and keeping wicket that suddenly Marcus finds himself in the same position.

"The only saving grace for the team is that by keeping wicket he doesn't have to run around the field (slowly!), but if this is a defect in his athleticism it is more than made up with his multi-talents of batting, bowling and keeping wicket.

"On a vote of Somerset players, Marcus is the worst five-a-side soccer player currently in the county squad, if not on the whole of the circuit, and he can't even keep goal!"

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