SOMERSET’S new skipper Marcus Trescothick believes his side are in great shape ahead of their opening Championship game of the season.

The Cidermen take on Yorkshire at Headingley in their season opener, which starts next Thursday (April 15).

After bad weather wiped out their opening warm-up games last week, Somerset dominated their two-day match against Glamorgan this week.

Trescothick, who made an authoritative 93 against Glamorgan, said: “There is no substitute for getting out in the middle so it was great to get a full game in against Glamorgan and get our batters and bowlers practice out on the grass.

“Despite the restrictions weather has caused, our pre-season training is on schedule where we want it to be with a week to go until our first Championship game.”

Meanwhile, Trescothick has confirmed Craig Kieswetter will keep wicket in Somerset’s opening two Championship games, before leavcing to join up with the England squad for the ICC World T20, which takes place between April 30 and May 16.

He said: “The plan is that Craig will play in our first two championship matches, which are big games for us.

“It’s important that we get off to a good start and win one of those first two opening games.”

Youngster Jos Buttler will take the gloves in Kieswetter’s absence.

Somerset’s build-up continues today (Thursday) with a one-day game against Exeter University at Taunton Vale when it is expected the pink ball will be used.

On Saturday they take on Cardiff UCCE in a three-day game, again at Taunton Vale.

Zander de Bruyn and newly-recruited Australian paceman Damien Wright are likely to join up with the squad in time for the Cardiff Uni game.