Somerset County Cricket Club have been rewarded for successfully hosting the second Women's Test match between England and India in 2002 by being awarded another international in 2003.

The match against India that ended in a draw attracted a large number of spectators, particularly on the first three days.

In an attempt to introduce girls to the game, in addition to all juniors gaining free admission, free cricket coaching was provided for girls up to the age of sixteen on each of the days that attracted a fair amount of interest.

In addition for the duration of the match the Playing for Success Study Centre that is situated in the Centre of Excellence ran a workshop for a group of local girls that was very successful.

The County Ground will host a four day Test match between England and South Africa starting on Wednesday August 20th.

After receiving the news of the fixture Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "The club is absolutely delighted to know that the E.C.B. is appreciative of the way that we stage these matches. They are well supported and of course the ground is ideally suited."

© SOMERSET