Somerset have recalled veteran all rounder Graham Rose for their championship match against second placed Leicestershire at the County Ground tomorrow.

This will be the first championship appearance for the thirty eight year old since he played against Yorkshire at Headingley over twelve months ago.

Earlier this afternoon Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "Graham performed well for the seconds against Worcestershire at North Perrott last week, and with Steffan Jones and Richard Johnson missing through injury we lack experience in our attack so we have gone for `Rosie'."

The coach continued: "With Steffan and Johnno missing there is a chance for the youngsters Matt Bulbeck and Simon Francis to shine, and of course Rosie is a powerful performer. We have also got two spinners and Mike Burns and Keith Parsons so we have got plenty of bowling."

Somerset will be looking to build on their resounding victory against Yorkshire last week to keep themselves in the hunt for the elusive county championship, a prize that the Cidermen have never won.

Last season when the two counties met both contests resulted in a draw. At Grace Road at the end of May, Somerset fought hard to obtain a draw in a high scoring game, whilst the return match at Taunton in August fell foul of the weather.

Since then however the sides have met on three occasions in limited over cricket, with the Sabres coming out on top in all three matches. The last time of course was in the final of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy when Somerset sent their fans home from Lord's celebrating after they had ended their eighteen year wait for silverware.

Graham Roses selection and the likely appearance of wicket-keeper Neil Burns for Leicestershire will see the reunion of two players who joined Somerset as youngsters back in 1987. A lot has happened to both players since then so no doubt they will have a lot to catch up on when `Rosie' is batting, or `Burnsie' is at the non-striking end.

Ahead of tomorrows match Kevin Shine told me: "We are feeling confident after our championship win over Yorkshire last week. We will be without Caddy and Marcus, but we have got a strong side and we have got to show that we can cope without them."

Ian Blackwell who played a major part in last weeks victory told me: "We are very upbeat having just beat last years champion, and done well down at Sussex. We are up for it and hopefully we will get off to a positive start, and keep ourselves on track to win our first county championship."

The full Somerset team is: Jamie Cox, Matt Wood, Mike Burns, Peter Bowler, Keith Parsons, Ian Blackwell, Rob Turner, Keith Dutch, Graham Rose, Simon Francis and Matt Bulbeck.

© SOMERSET