At the County Ground this morning Somerset chief exectuive Peter Anderson was reflecting on the the selection of Ian Blackwell who has forced his way into the England One Day squad to play in the triangular series in Australia this winter. He told me: "Whilst our team results have been disappointing the club should take great pride in recognising that we now have three England Internationals."

The former Derbyshire player was signed by the Cidermen in 2000 for his potential as a slow left arm bowler and hard hitting batsman, and in the three seasons since has become a very firm favourite with the crowds at the County Ground.On the good Taunton pitches his batting has prospered and like all spinners his bowling will mature with the years.

Mr Anderson continued: "It's nice for the club to be recognised by the England selectors and it is a good advert for our coaching system even though some critics point out that it failed us as a team. I think that criticism is unfair because it didn't fail us in 2001."

Ian Blackwell said: "My move to Somerset has certainly paid off and I would like to thank everybody for being so supportive. It is now up to me to seize the chance and establish myself in the one day team with the aim of becoming a fully blown England test player."

He concluded: "I owe a lot to the club and of course if I do achieve test status I know that it will mean not playing so much for Somerset."

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