Whilst Andy Caddick and Marcus Trescothick are toughing it out in the first Test of the Ashes series their team mate Ian Blackwell is also out in Australia in Adelaide where he is spending time with the England Academy.

When I contacted `Blackie' earlier today he told me: "We are nearing the end of a month here now and things are going pretty well for me. We are netting regularly now which is great and we can practice our skills outside. The early mornings do get tougher as the week goes on so it's great when the weekend comes."

The all rounder who has become a great favourite with Cidermen fans continued: "We had our toughest few days last week and the body has just about recovered a week down the line. Our programme is still varied and hard work but it's great to be able to get some sun on your back... it definitely motivates you when training."

Being down under during an Ashes series has it's drawbacks though as `Blackie' told me: "The only bad thing about being in Australia playing and training , is that there is no escape from the Aussie's telling us how poor we are at cricket!!"

He continued: "I think a lot will depend on `Goughie' returning to full fitness and playing, mainly the aura that he has and what he can give to team morale. The batters too need to fire just like the Aussie's are, maybe even more so. I believe 'Banger' will be our leading run scorer for the series."

Looking ahead to the end of the month he told me: " It's just under 3 weeks now until I leave the Academy and join the England one day squad and I can't wait. It will be a fantastic experience playing in front of 50000+ crowds in such a fiercely contested series."

He concluded: "I really hope I get the chance to play and I will be giving it everything," which is just what Somerset fans have been expecting from `Blackie' every time that he walks to the wicket.

© SOMERSET