Two of Somerset's Cornish playing contingent, batsman Piran Holloway and wicket-keeper batsman Carl Gazzard are spending the winter out in Perth where Piran is coaching and Carl is playing for Scarborough Cricket Club.

When I contacted Piran Holloway to ask how things were going he told me: "Carl Gazzard has taken to the way of life like a duck to water. Taking diving catches every game and a couple of 30 not outs. Unfortunately the weather has only been in the mid 20s most of the time so we have been a bit cold!"

He continued: " At the moment we have a pretty flexible training programme which is proving to be very tough. We usually wake up pretty early in the morning and either go surfing at the beach if the waves are big enough or if not then it is either running or laps at the pool. Then it's back for some food and off to the gym. The afternoons we either bat in the nets or go training in the evenings."

He went on: " On Wednesday we do pump class and yoga. We also do circuits on Monday. Things are going really well at the moment with Carl and his batting if showing signs of real development. I only wish I could help some of the English batsmen."

He continued: " With the Test match just started it looks like we are in for another few days of embarrassment. The start of every conversation is usually `so how was your day,' I don't bite but, Carl is young and they are winding him up a treat!"

© SOMERSET