The day after Richard Johnson was called up at short notice to the England squad as standby for the Third npower Test, before the final team was announced this morning, Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson told me "It's wonderful news for Richard and an honour for the club to have three players in the England squad. Somerset wouldn't want to stop anyone playing for their country."

He went on "but the question needs to be asked how it is possible for two bowlers called up to be injured in the preparation period."

Regarding Somerset missing a fast bowler for two sessions of play at Canterbury yesterday he said, "we didn't receive a phone call to say that he was needed until about 11.30am, and we weren't able to get Jamie Grove to Canterbury to replace him until ten minutes before the end of play."

"Of course England comes first, but our bid to win the CricInfo Championship for the first time in our existence is equally important," Mr Anderson continued.

"One of the reasons Johnson came to Somerset was the high regard he had for our coach Kevin Shine, and the good wickets that we have here at Taunton, which provide a real test for a quick bowler."

Finally the Chief executive added, "we've got a professional staff, and as one door closes another one opens, and there is a chance now for one of the other bowlers. Jamie Grove has been disappointed this season and now he has got his chance."

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