Somerset all-rounder Ian Blackwell is taking his preparations for the new season very seriously indeed. In addition to being on a strict diet since the end of last season, he has also given up drinking alcohol completely.

Since the end of the festive season, during which he admits he "had a bit of a blow out" he hasn't had a single drink.

"This is a very serious business, and I've made a firm resolve that I will stick to it at least until the season begins and even beyond, although it might be difficult if I get a century in my first innings!" he told me.

The former Derbyshire player enjoyed his best ever season in 2001, scoring nearly 800 championship runs, including four centuries, and taking 18 wickets. In addition he scored over 400 runs and took 12 wickets in the Norwich Union League.

The 23-year-old told me: "Following the end of last season I trained twice every day before I went off to play for England in the Hong Kong Sixes. Since then I've continued to work to the same regime with Darren Veness and Andy Hurry, and I now run regularly.

"I want to play for England so for the next three months it will be hard work, but it will be worth it because hopefully I will see the benefits for the next 15 years. It's been a bit tough to begin with but it's getting easier every day."

As an incentive, Somerset Chief Executive Peter Anderson has made a side wager with "Blackie" that he will be fitter than the player when the start of the new season comes. The club's fitness instructors have been charged with setting an appropriate test that can be administered to find the winner.

The prize for the winner will be a meal out for four at the other's expense, and when I spoke to them recently both parties were confident of winning!

© SOMERSET