Somerset have boosted their chances of gaining promotion in 2003 by announcing that they have signed batsman James Bryant to strengthen their top order.

Earlier in the winter the Cidermen were linked with Tasmanian batsman Michael Dighton, but he failed to meet the ECB requirements to play English cricket.

Chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "We were very disappointed that Michael Dighton couldn't meet the E.C.B. qualifications required to play in the championship, but every cloud has a silver lining and we have now signed James Bryant who does meet the requirements."

Once they heard that Bryant was interested in playing cricket in England, Somerset wasted no time in signing the right hander who plays domestic cricket in South Africa for Eastern Province.

Twenty six year old Bryant is a quality player and since making his debut for Eastern Province in 1996-7, has played in 48 first class matches and scored nearly 3000 runs at an average of just over 38. He has hit six centuries and has a highest score of 234 not out.

Bryant's one day record is also impressive. He has played in 46 matches and scored almost 1400 runs, including one century at an average of nearly 38.

This season in first class cricket the right hander has an average of over 57.

The Somerset boss continued: "James Bryant does have British citizenship and we think that he will bolster our top order and obviously he will be keen to show us that he is what we are looking for."

Somerset Head Coach, Kevin Shine said, "As everyone knows, we need a proven top order batsman and we think James is a good signing for the Club".

James Bryant said, "I am very happy to have the chance to play in England for Somerset and I know I have a lot to do to prove myself to the knowledgeable Somerset fans. Jimmy Cook has warned me that they are very demanding".

Bryant completes the trio of new players who have been signed by Somerset, joining West Indian paceman Nixon McLean and all rounder Aaron Laraman who was signed recently from Middlesex.

After suffering a double relegation at the end of the 2002 season the management at the County Ground in Taunton promised that they would bring in some new faces and they have been as good as their word.

Somerset have wasted no time in snapping up these three classy players whose presence will certainly ensure that there is fierce competition for first team places in 2003 as well as hopefully putting the Cidermen in contention for promotion back to the top flight in both the county championship and the National League.

© SOMERSET