Sellsy's Monday Supplement

The cricketers who represent the mighty Somerset flew out to South Africa at the weekend for a two week training camp. Warmer climate, no rain and training outdoors on grass, instead of being confined to indoor practice in Taunton, well it was great forward thinking by Dave Nosworthy.

It seems that the training centre is a high performance place; international athletes use the facilities, with state of the art technology to help improve things like fitness (what?). Dave has also recruited extra specialist coaches in batting, bowling, fielding and wicketkeeping; sounds as if it is going to be a serious intense fortnight for the players.

Alfonso Thomas coming back from Australia saying buoyant things are within the squad; lots of positive coverage about the Overton twins in various media publications; and lots of positive talk from younger players like Alex Barrow and Chris Jones, surely this is going to be Somerset’s season, surely?

Now call me long in the tooth, but I feel I have been here before, but somehow I am a bit more positive this season than I have been for some time. Let me tell you why.

Firstly, there will be no England distractions. Players like Nick Compton, Craig Kieswetter are no longer in the fore front minds of the England selectors, which is a shame for them and their careers, but good for Somerset.

Next, the youngsters would off gained a lot of experience last season. The afore mentioned Overton twins are a lot stronger and fitter than the last campaign, plus they have been with the England Performance squad, gaining valuable experience. The 2013 campaign proved the youngsters could hold their own in the top flight of First Class cricket, even though it was touch and go towards the end of the season whether Somerset would keep their top flight status, but now they need to take their game to the next level.

Thirdly, Dave Nosworthy being shrewd with his tinkering of the backroom staff. Andy Hurry has been pushed to one side and Dave has appointed specialist batting and bowling coaches who report directly to him. A more hands on approach perhaps? But he will have a lot more say this season over selection than last.

Lastly, Craig Kieswetter will have the gloves all season. There has been a lot of debate last year who was the better keeper, Craig or Jos Buttler, with both players sharing the responsibility. Completely unsatisfactory, Jos made a decision at the end of the season to go to Lancashire, which saddened many, but it now gives Somerset clarity about the wicketkeeping position – Alex Barrow might have a say in that!

With all this in mind, I have been trawling through bookmaker’s websites to see what prices Somerset are for the various competitions for the forthcoming season and they are good value. 9-1 for the County Championship, 15-2 for the 50 over competition and 10-1 for the T20. With this in mind along with my renewed optimism, my annual bet on Somerset to win all three will be placed with a bookie over the next week or so. Does anyone want to join in, if so, get in touch, the more the merrier, and I will let you know what type of bet I am doing.

So the lads have definitely got to walk the walk now!

5.27, enough of that, time for Thatchers and skittles.......!