Aaron Laraman Photo © Somerset

Somerset gave their chances of a quick return to the top flight next season a further boost when they announced the signing of former Middlesex player Aaron Laraman on a three year contract.

The twenty two year old all rounder certainly looked impressive when he bowled in the indoor nets during his first public appearance at the County Ground in Taunton earlier today.

In 2002 Laraman enjoyed his best ever season, scoring over 500 championship runs at an average of 32 and taking 20 wickets at a cost of nearly 39 runs a piece since making his first class debut in 1998.

Why had he chosen to make the journey along the M4 rather than signing a new contract at Middlesex I asked. He told me: " I am looking to develop my playing career further. I like the set up and the close knit team spirit that there is here at Somerset so when the chance came along to join up with Kevin Shine I took it."

Had he played at Taunton before I asked. He told me: "I played a second eleven game here in 1997 against a Somerset team that included Andre Van Troost, and scored 90 odd not out, so I am hoping that this will be a happy return for me."

How did he feel about coming to live in the West Country. He told me: "Taunton seems to be a very nice small town and a pleasant place to live. Certainly it will save me doing so much travelling, I seem to be able to get everywhere I need to in about ten minutes which is different from North London."

What was he hoping for himself in 2003. He told me: "I shall be looking to compete and get a place in the first team right from the start. I see myself as a first or second change bowler because I bowl better with the old ball, and bat down the order."

What was he hoping for the county in 2003. Aaron told me: "Somerset have got a good team but underachieved in 2002 and were relegated. Next season they will be looking to play to their potential and get promotion."

Certainly the Somerset coach Kevin Shine rates the new signing very highly. He told me: "This is fantastic scoop for us. Aaron is emerging as a genuine all rounder. He is 6 ft 5 inches tall and will play as a fourth seamer, who hits the ball very hard as well."

Chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "This is an exciting young player who is one for the future. He bowls fast and bats as well."

After suffering a double relegation at the end of 2002 the Cidermen have wasted no time in strengthening their squad, having already recruited West Indian Test bowler Nixon McLean for 2003, and with at least one more new player in the pipeline competition for places in the Somerset team is hotting up.

© SOMERSET