Somerset County Cricket Club has unveiled a promising 12-man squad ahead of their three-day friendly against Glamorgan, marking a crucial step in their build-up to the upcoming County Championship season.
The match, hosted at the County Ground, not only serves as a competitive fixture but also offers valuable insights into Somerset’s likely lineup for their season opener against defending champions Nottinghamshire on Good Friday.
Head Coach Jason Kerr emphasized the importance of this game in fine-tuning the squad’s readiness. “This game is all about being as prepared as we can be. With the shift in pre-season plans, we’ve missed out on some competitive cricket, so getting match sharpness ahead of facing Notts is key. While we had a productive two-day internal game this week, playing against an opposition striving to win creates that essential competitive edge,” Kerr explained.
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With star opener Tom Banton participating in the IPL with Gujarat Titans, Josh Thomas is poised to step up and open the batting, while Lewis Goldsworthy is expected to anchor the middle order. The 12-man squad also features seamers Alfie Ogborne, Jake Ball, and Josh Shaw, who are all vying for one or two spots alongside South African fast bowler Miguel Pretorius, who remains a strong contender.
Coach Kerr acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with a shortened pre-season but expressed confidence in the players’ development. “We’ve had to put our eggs in one basket with limited competitive matches, so those playing tomorrow are top of mind for selection. However, it’s never too late — we’ve seen players improve significantly during pre-season and are ready to step up if needed.”
Kerr stressed that the forthcoming friendly represents the final opportunity to ensure the squad is physically and mentally prepared to face Nottinghamshire. “From now until the first ball on Friday, it’s about avoiding surprises and maximizing readiness.”
The full Somerset squad named for the match includes Lewis Gregory, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Josh Thomas, Tom Lammonby, James Rew, Tom Abell, Lewis Goldsworthy, Craig Overton, Jack Leach, Josh Shaw, Jake Ball, and Alfie Ogborne.