A number of the Somerset players chosen for the opening match of the season against Sussex tomorrow were at the County Ground early this morning, having a final net session before making the journey to Hove later in the day.

As he looked out across the ground, Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson updated the situation regarding the two contracted England players, Andrew Caddick and Marcus Trescothick.

Regarding Andrew Caddick the chief told me: "Andrew had a rib and side injury when he returned from the New Zealand tour, but has recently seen an ECB specialist who has given him the all clear.

"We are hoping that he will practice this week with a view to him playing for the county in the last two Benson and Hedges matches, against Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and also against Yorkshire in the county championship."

Regarding the England opener, the chief executive told me: "A decision has been made by skipper Jamie Cox that when he plays for the county Marcus Trescothick will be captain.

"This we feel is sensible for two reasons. Firstly, because it takes the strain of captaincy off Jamie Cox when Marcus plays, so that Jamie can concentrate on his own game, and secondly because it will give Marcus captaincy experience at first-class level which will underpin his chances of becoming the England captain in the future."

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