Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson was back in his office for the first time today after the Christmas break.

I spoke to the Chief Executive shortly after he had met with Richard Johnson, who was back at the County Ground after returning from India just before Christmas.

The Somerset paceman was drafted into the squad after his county colleague Andy Caddick had withdrawn, and gave a good account of himself in the warm up match that he played in. However he was not selected for any of the matches in the three Test series.

Richard, who celebrated his twenty seventh birthday at the end of December, has also been overlooked for the forthcoming England tour to India and New Zealand which starts later this month.

Mr Anderson told me, "The club feels very disappointed for Richard Johnson who has been left out of the New Zealand trip."

The Chief Executive continued, "Coach Kevin Shine has been in touch with Duncan Fletcher to discuss his England prospects, but as is always the case all Richard can do is to keep bowling and produce the goods."

"For Richard Johnson you have to feel disappointed, but from a Somerset point of view we gain," Mr Anderson said.

He continued, "Whilst Johnson will be doing his best next season for Somerset, the club are disturbed by Marcus Trescothick's announcement that he may only be available for one game in 2002 on the basis that the workload for international cricketer's is so great."

Mr Anderson went on, " Undoubtedly the workload is great, but the England players seem to be obsessed by the amount of time that they are spending away from their homes and their loved ones."

He continued, "Some would say they are very well paid to put up with the inconvenience, and nobody forces them to go away and play for England." The Chief continued, "Marcus's suggestion is that player's partners should have lengthy holidays at the E.C.B expense. If individuals miss their loved ones so much they can pay for it themselves."

Mr Anderson concluded, " Somerset hope that Marcus's fears are not realised and that he is available for more than one game in 2002."

© SOMERSET