Following his impressive performance against Hampshire at Bath, fast bowler Richard Johnson has been named as the new Somerset Hero of the Week.

In making his choice Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson said: "For his patience and resolve to make a complete recovery from his injury, and not rush back before being fully fit he was rewarded with a seven wicket haul and ten wickets in the match against Hampshire. Duncan Fletcher please note!"

Richard Johnson moved west to join Somerset during the winter of 2000 after playing for Middlesex for nine seasons. In 1994 he became the first player for thirty years to take all ten wickets in an innings when he captured 10 for 45 against Derbyshire at Derby, whilst Kevin Shine was bowling at the other end!

`Johnno' was capped by Middlesex in 1995, and selected to play for England on their tour to South Africa in 1995-6. However he had to pull out after a persistent back injury.

Since joining the Cidermen for 2001 he has enjoyed considerable success, and last season was the leading wicket taker in the county championship with 62 victims. He was awarded his Somerset cap during the season.

During last winter Richard was called up for the England test tour to India to replace Andrew Caddick.

When I caught up with Richard between training sessions at the County Ground he gave me the following answers to the `hero' questions.

Q1 What sports do you enjoy, apart from cricket?
A. I enjoy football, especially watching Tottenham who are my favourite team. I also enjoy watching rugby and most sports, and playing golf. I play off a handicap of sixteen, but people say that I am a bit of a bandit!

Q2 Who was your idol when you were young?
A. There was only one hero for me and that was Ian Botham, who I watched many many times on the television. He has always been my hero.

Q3 Who is your favourite pop star or band?
A. I don't really have any particular favourites at the moment, but I do like any dance music.

Q4 What do you do in your spare time?
A. Anything to relax, including taking my dog for a walk and playing golf with my friends.

Q5 Where did you go to school, and when did you start to play cricket?
A. I went to Sunbury School and then onto Spelthorne College. I started to play cricket at the age of nine and from the age of eleven represented Middlesex through the age groups.

Q6 What is your favourite food?
A. I enjoy eating a really hot curry.

Q7 How much training do you do every week, are there any special exercises?
A. During the season I don't do much, but in the winter I train five days of the week.

Q8 What has been your most memorable match for Somerset?
A. My most memorable match of Somerset has to be winning the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Lord's last September.

Q9 Apart from the County Ground at Taunton, which is your favourite cricket ground and why?
A. It has to be Lord's where I played so many times over the years for Middlesex. The facilities there are just like a five star luxury hotel.

Q10 What are your cricketing ambitions?
A.My cricketing ambitions are to win as many trophies as I can for Somerset and of course to play for England.

Many thanks to Richard for answering the questions for us, and we all hope that you fulfil your ambitions. Thanks also to Thomas and George who provided the questions

© SOMERSET