Somerset players Ian Blackwell and Richard Johnson have been named in a seven man squad who will compete in the Hong Kong Six-a-Side competition in November.

Both players enjoyed considerable success during the 2001 season. Johnson took the most wickets for the county, and was called up on three occasions by the England selectors as cover, but each time failed to make the final line up.

Blackwell, who joined the Cidermen two years ago from Derbyshire enjoyed his best ever season, and was thought by many to have been a good bet for a place on the Academy Tour during the winter.

A spokesman for the club said, "We are absolutely delighted for both of the players. Their selection for the Hong Kong Sixes will make up for the disappointment of not being selected for the other England tours."

© Somerset CCC