Somerset have announced that Jamie Cox will be returning to Taunton in 2003, but that it is likely to be his last season with the club.

Tasmanian Jamie, who has become a firm favourite with the Somerset crowds since he was signed to play for the county in 1999 told me earlier: "I enjoy coming to England and playing cricket at Somerset. We like living in Taunton, and if the club want me to come back then I'll be delighted to be here in 2003."

In the four seasons that Jamie has led the county they have ended up as losing finalists in the Nat West Trophy in 1999, and then in 2001 he led them to the runner's up position in the county championship, the club's highest ever finish, and won the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy, to end the eighteen year silverware drought at the club.

For the last few weeks Jamie has been sidelined as a result of a broken thumb, but he is expecting to return on Sunday for the NUL game at Scarborough and then be fit to play in the C and G quarter final match against Worcestershire next Wednesday.

Chief executive Peter Anderson told me earlier today: "We are delighted that Jamie has agreed to come back to play for us again next year. Next season we will have a second overseas player, but we don't know who that will be at the moment, and are unlikely to make a decision until later in the year."

© SOMERSET