Somerset Head Groundsman Phil Frost was busy spiking the outfield at The County Ground at Taunton this morning.

Phil, who recently won the coveted Groundsman of the Year award for a record breaking fifth time in seven years told me, "The ground is looking better now than it did back in April at the start of the season."

It was bright and sunny this morning at the Cidermen's headquarters and the conditions out in the middle looked almost good enough to play on.

"The wickets seem to be getting better each year, "Phil told me, and went on, "I'm cutting the outfield every week, and today its being spiked.For the first time since I have been here I've cut the square with a cylinder mower well before Christmas."

All of this bodes well for 2002 when no doubt Phil Frost and his team will once again prepare wickets of the highest quality at Taunton.

© SOMERSET