Somerset Chief Executive was relieved at the news that the problems surrounding to the forthcoming Test series against India had been resloved and the first Test match will get underway as planned on Monday December 3rd.

Earlier this morning Mr Anderson had expressed his concerns over the retaliatory action that would inevitably follow any decision by England to pull out of the tour should the Indians select Virender Sehwag.

The Chief told me, "the Somerset finances rely on 53% of what we need to run the club coming from the proceeds of international cricket. If there was to be no international cricket in England in 2002 the financial implications for the club would be serious."

Mr Anderson went on, "We are also waiting to see whether or not Richard Johnson has overtaken Jimmy Ormond and is selected for the first Test."

He continued,"Player availability and putting a competitive team into the field are issues that could arise should Richard Johnson establish himself in the England team. If he does then all to his credit, and we wouldn't want to prevent that, but if it means Johnson and Caddick missing regularly then on paper our opening attack could look threadbare."

He went on, "that said it provides opportunity for Matt Bulbeck, Joe Tucker, Peter Trego and Simon Francis to stake a claim for a place which they must grab with both hands. Youngsters are always complaining about the lack of opportunity, now here is there chance."

The Chief Executive concluded, "if Ormond suddenly says that he is joining Somerset that will be a bonus, but that is looking increasingly unlikely."

© SOMERSET