SOMERSET captain Tom Abell has been dropped from the squad to face Yorkshire in the County Championship clash starting tomorrow (Monday) in Scarborough.

The 23-year-old has struggled throughout the 2017 campaign, scoring just 171 runs at an average of 14.25, and the nadir came as he recorded a pair in the draw at Hampshire last week.

Opinion has been split among the support on whether to stick or twist, but the skipper will now have the chance to regain his form away from the limelight without the pressure of leading a struggling side.

Tim Rouse, who has been in good form for the Second XI, has replaced Abell in the squad and looks set for a First Class debut, with all-rounder Lewis Gregory named as captain.

Speaking to the club website, Abell said: “It’s been a tough start to the season for me and the team has to come first.

"The support that I’ve received has been incredible and hugely appreciated, as has the backing from the team and coaches.

"However, the reality is that the guys in the Second Team have been doing really well, so they fully deserve their opportunity.

“Naturally I’m gutted to not be playing but I really hope the boys go well against Yorkshire.”

Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard added: “Every single person connected with the Club, from the Members and supporters up to the Committee, are desperate for Tom to return to form and I have no doubt that he will do just that.

"He is an outstanding player, a genuine leader of men and as the old adage says: form is temporary but class is permanent.”

“We’ll be working hard with him in the nets and he’ll be playing some Second XI cricket - I’m confident that he will be back in contention for First XI selection again sooner rather than later”.

Eddie Byrom retains his place after showing promise on his First Class debut in Southampton, while Jim Allenby returns to the four-day squad as he bids for a first Championship appearance of the season.

There is still no place for Peter Trego, however, who was playing for his native Weston-super-Mare on Saturday and took 5-32 against North Petherton.

Somerset go into the match second bottom, 29 points adrift of sixth-placed Middlesex and still looking for a first Championship win of the season.

Somerset squad: Marcus Trescothick, Eddie Byrom, Tim Rouse, James Hildreth, Adam Hose, Steve Davies (wk), Jim Allenby, Lewis Gregory (c), Craig Overton, Josh Davey, Tim Groenewald, Jack Leach, Dom Bess.