THE summer of 2017 is going to be a busy time for Somerset batsman James Hildreth, writes Richard Walsh.

In addition to being awarded a Testimonial as a reward for his loyal service to the Cidermen, the 32-year-old and his wife Aimee are expecting their second child in April.

If that wasn’t enough Hildy is also in his final year of working towards his ECB Level Four Coaching Award!

Speaking about his busy schedule, he said: “It is going to be a pretty busy time for us this year, but I’m really looking forward to it all.

Regarding his Testimonial he said: “I don’t think of myself as being old so it still feels a bit strange to think that I have been given a testimonial year.

"I guess I have been at Somerset for a long time, but those 14 years have just flown by.

“I have been overwhelmed by the number of good wishes I have had since the announcement was made. So many people have told me how much I deserve it which I really do appreciate.

“Although I wasn’t born in Somerset I first came to the county when I was 10 years old so I have spent the majority of my life here.

“My whole cricketing life has been spent playing for Somerset so I do feel very much that this is where I belong.”

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Hildreth said: “I am excited at the prospect of the coming season and it's great that Tom Abell has been appointed captain.

“Steve Davies is a great signing for us too - he is a brilliant player and his stats speak for themselves.

"I played England Under 19s with him and also went on Lions tours with him.

"He will have a massive impact in the middle order for us in four-day cricket and he is a great gloveman as well.”