Somerset faced with tough search (From Somerset County Gazette)

Somerset faced with tough search

9:21am Thursday 1st June 2006

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SOMERSET have admitted they face a tough task to find a new overseas player.

The county had not originally intended replacing spinner Dan Cullen, who leaves at the end of this month to play for Australia A.

But, following news that skipper Ian Blackwell is out for the season with a shoulder injury, Somerset have decided they have no option but to strengthen the side.

"The player we are looking for needs to be the right fit," said Somerset's director of cricket Brian Rose.

"We don't want anyone to come in who is going to be competing with the players already here.

"However, our options are very limited because the Australia A series involves South Africa, New Zealand and India.

"Whoever we sign needs to be the sort of player who has something special, someone who comes along and smacks us right in the face."

Meanwhile, Somerset skipper Blackwell was left devastated after finding out he will miss the rest of the season.

The big-hitting left-hander suffered the injury on the second day of the Championship match against Leicestershire. A scan on Friday revealed damage to the joint capsule and bicep tendon.

"I am absolutely gutted," he said.

"This was a big year for me and I will now miss out on building on my one-day international career and towards the World Cup next spring.

"It couldn't have come at a worse time."

Australian all-rounder Cameron White has been appointed as captain until the end of the season.

"It's a great honour for me to take over the captaincy and I'm delighted to do so," he said.

"But it's very unlucky for Ian and I hope he is back out on the park again as soon as possible."

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