Somerset County Cricket Club have been praised by David Graveney, the Chief Executive of the Professional Cricketer's Association for the way that they have dealt with Joe Tucker, who was released by the club at the end of the season because of a back injury.

Despite him being released Somerset County Cricket Club have agreed to support the player through the period of his injury and to help him through his rehabilitation period.

In his letter to chief executive Peter Anderson, Mr Graveney says: "With regard to Joe's situation and I must say at the outset that Somerset's attitude to looking after his rehabilitation is to be applauded and rarely duplicated in other counties."

Earlier today the Somerset boss told me: "We are committed to helping Joe and it is right and proper that we should be looking after all of our players whenever they suffer an injury, and we are delighted to have received a letter from David Graveney applauding our actions."

Meanwhile Joe Tucker underwent an operation on his back at the Nuffield Hospital in Taunton on October 23rd which seems to have been a success and he is now back at home making a good recovery.

The former England Under 19 bowler told me: "It has all gone to plan and thankfully I am healing very well. Now I have to rest until Christmas, and then in the New Year get back into some light training at the gym."

He paid tribute to Somerset when he told me:"Everybody at the club, Peter Anderson, the coaches and the physios have been really great, and even though I have been released they are still helping me which I really appreciate."

Looking ahead to the future he told me: "By the time next season comes around I hope I will be able to bowl again and even resume my first class career at some stage."

© SOMERSET