FORMER Somerset batsman Nick Compton has told the County Gazette that he expects the Cidermen to mount another serious title challenge in 2017 after they were narrowly edged out by his own Middlesex side last summer, writes Paul Martin.

Speaking at the Millichamp & Hall open day at the Cooper Associates County Ground, the 33-year-old outlined his expectation that fans are in for another thrilling ride in the County Championship.

“There are going to be a lot of teams chasing us down, none more so than Somerset,” he said.

“They were very close last year, and we were very close a few times when I was here so I know what it feels like - it makes you hungrier to go on and achieve that success.

“They found a formula that worked in the second half of last year and no doubt they will want to stick to that.

Compton was in the Middlesex team that beat Yorkshire to seal the title on last season’s dramatic final day, and he was firm in his belief that the Lord’s-based outfit can replicate their success.

“We do have the capability to win it again, there’s no doubt about it,” he said.

“Backing it up is the big challenge and I think that’s why it’s great to be in this position. There’s definitely a squad there that wants to keep improving and be back where it was last year.

“The important thing when you do win is that you keep trying to improve as it’s easy to rest on your laurels and get complacent, but I don’t think this squad is going to do that.”

Somerset County Gazette:

IN THE NETS: Compton put on a net session with these budding young bowlers as part of the Millichamp & Hall open day.

Compton was part of the furniture at number three during his five years in Taunton and became a firm favourite due to his consistent performances with the bat, which saw him average 55.87 in 67 first class matches for the county and receive an England call-up in the process.

His departure in 2014 therefore came as a surprise to supporters, but it opened the door for a young Tom Abell to establish himself.

Three years on, the man who was just breaking through as Compton’s time at the club came to an end is ready to lead the side into the domestic season, a decision the Middlesex and England man fully supports.

“Tom’s a very impressive young man who’s polite, keen to learn and definitely has all the attributes to go a long way,” Compton said.

“It is a massive challenge for him but an exciting one, and I’m sure he’ll have a lot of support around him – you’ve still got the old man Trescothick here and the likes of Hildreth and Trego are experienced campaigners who will no doubt nurture him.”

Compton was also full of praise for Jack Leach, another player to have come to the forefront of the Somerset side since the batsman left the Westcountry.

“I remember having a chat with him about four or five years ago where he said he wanted to give it absolutely everything and he’s someone who took the opportunity of having a contract with both hands.

“He’s a great example of a player who’s gone from club cricket to having a small window of opportunity and basically working his nuts off to make the most of it."

The spinner has had a difficult winter after routine tests found a surprising illegality in his action, but Compton has backed his former teammate to keep improving.

“I hope he can bounce back this year, as it’s tough for any bowler to remodel their action," he said. 

"I think the good guys win in the end and he’s got to keep sticking to what works for him.

“I’m sure he’s putting the work in and hopefully that’s gone well for him as you don’t want that to take away from his success, his enjoyment or what he’s done for Somerset in the last two years.

“He is a popular man so I’m sure everyone’s delighted with his progress and it’s nice seeing local lads coming through.

“That’s what is great about playing down here at Somerset. There is great support, the people are friendly and playing at Taunton in front of these fans is brilliant – I don’t think you really get that feeling anywhere else."

This time last year, Compton was enjoying his second spell in the England Test team and had just helped the national side secure a series victory in South Africa.

A lean series against Sri Lanka, however, saw him dropped and led to a spell out of the game as he weighed up his future.

Now back to fitness and raring to go, Compton was able to reflect on the difficult period he endured at the start of last summer.

“I feel better for the break," he said.

"Sometimes you can keep pushing and you’re not going anywhere, forwards or backwards, so it was nice to have a break and clear the head.

“I had a few disappointments to deal with and a few injuries so it was nice to have a bit of time to get those out the way and now I’m excited about going forward. I’d like to be really enjoying my cricket and batting as well as I can.”