The highlight of the 2003 cricket fixture list that has just been published is the first visit of South Africa to Taunton since 1960 for a three day match that gets underway at the County Ground on July 15th.

The Cidermen also entertain Zimbabwe at Taunton in a one day match on June 17th.

After a three day friendly against Lougborough University, on April 12th Somerset get their county championship season underway in earnest with an away match against the old enemy Gloucestershire on Friday 18th April.

The first championship match at Taunton sees Durham visit the County Ground on Wednesday 23rd April, followed by a one day National League match against the Dynamos on April 27th.

This 2003 season sees the introduction of the new 20 over competition with five zonal matches being played between June 13th and June 24th, with a Lord's final on July 19th.

Scotland will also be entering the NCL competition in 2003 and visit Taunton on June 15th.

Chief Executive Peter Anderson told me earlier: "We are delighted with the way that the fixtures have worked out for us next season, and especially to be hosting a 3 day match against South Africa, who will be playing here for the first time in forty years and also the one day visit by Zimbabwe."

He concluded: "However if we are to retain these high profile tourists matches at Taunton we will be hoping that members will support them better that they did in 2002 when there was a very disappointing turn out."

© SOMERSET