After suffering a side strain during the current test match against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford it seems highly unlikely that Somerset will have the services of Andy Caddick for the Cheltenham and Gloucester fourth round tie against Hampshire at the County Ground on Wednesday.

In the light of this news the Somerset attack will be led on Wednesday by Richard Johnson, who made an impressive return to the first class scene with a seven wicket haul at Bath after a months absence through injury, and Steffan Jones, who has also been missing with a hamstring problem.

Welshman Steffan showed that he has lost none of his old fire by putting the ball straight back into the right place yesterday against Leicester Foxes by disposing of danger man Tim Ward, and almost demolishing the stumps of former Somerset player Jamie Grove.

After the game Steffan told me: "It felt very very good to be out there in the middle again today and to be part of the game, and I'm happy to say that I have felt no twinges at all. Now I can concentrate on my bowling rather than getting myself fit to play, and I'm really looking forward to the game against Hampshire on Wednesday."

Chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "We are still waiting to formally hear from the England Physio about Andy Caddick, but it is unlikely that he will play in the C & G on Wednesday. However with the return of Richard Johnson, who is an able replacement for Caddick to lead the attack, and Steffan Jones back to full fitness we still have a strong bowling line up."

The Somerset boss continued: "From the cricketing point of view the Somerset players were disappointed at having to take on Hampshire away from Taunton where the pitch suits their bowling so now is their chance to prove their point!"

© SOMERSET