Gazzard named as wicket-keeper for Millfield match

Somerset continue their build up for the new season when they play Cardiff UCCE in a three-day match at Millfield School, Street, on Saturday.

Coach Kevin Shine has named a strong side for the match, which in the absence of Jamie Cox is captained by Mike Burns.

The full side in likely batting order for the game at Millfield is: Piran Holloway, Matt Wood, Mike Burns, Keith Parsons, Ian Blackwell, Carl Gazzard, Keith Dutch, Graham Rose, Steffan Jones, Simon Francis and Matt Bulbeck.

Former Millfield pupil all rounder Arul Suppiah, who is now on the Somerset playing staff, is named as the twelfth man for the match.

Carl Gazzard, who missed the whole of last season with a shoulder injury and who kept wicket in both of the one day matches earlier this week, retains his place behind the stumps in place of Rob Turner who is still suffering from a niggling foot injury.

Earlier this evening the Somerset coach told me: "We are taking the game against Cardiff on Saturday very seriously, and gearing ourselves towards our first Championship match on April 24th."

He continued: "We have had two games of short form cricket, but this will be our first match of the longer form, and will give our batters a chance to build an innings and our bowlers the opportunity to bowl a longer spell."

On Friday those players who are selected for the three-day match at Millfield will prepare their kit and make their final arrangements, whilst those who miss out on the game will remain back at the County Ground with assistant coach Mark Garaway and continue with their pre-season preparations.