SOMERSET 2nd XI have been playing a Second XI Championship match against Northamptonshire 2nd's this week in Dunstable.

In the opening two days of the match, there has been standout performances from both Somerset bowlers and batsman.

In particular, George Bartlett with the bat and Shoaib Bashir with the ball.

Batting at three, Bartlett scored an impressive 93 runs off 101 balls to help push Somerset's first innings score to 223.

He was in fine form, picking out 12 fours and 1 six against a bowling attack that featured young Northants prospects James Sales and Angus Miller.

He was eventually dismissed by lbw from a Miller delivery, but not before impressing and making a claim for a place back in Somerset's first team.

With the ball, Shoaib Bashir took 4 wickets for for 49 runs off 11.1 overs.

He was the standout bowler for Somerset, although Ned Leonard did manage 3 wickets in his 15 over spell.

Leonard took the wickets of both opening batsmen to really put Somerset on the front foot.

The two youngsters staked a claim for their place in the first team as well.

At the end of Day Two, Somerset 2nd XI lead by 181 runs with 6 wickets remaining, partly thanks to a solid 63 from Steve Davies.

Currently at bat is Lewis Goldsworthy on 42 and Ben Green with 35 runs.

It is clear that the strength in depth within Somerset's playing group is strong.

This Second 2nd squad features familiar names like Josh Davey, Andy Umeed and Tom Banton as well as those already mentioned.

Mix in the young talent in George Thomas and Alfie Ogborne, the club is a place where every player is fighting for a spot in the first team. Healthy competitiveness.

However, the Somerset First XI has seen very little changes this season, despite not winning a game.

The only changes over the three matches so far has seen George Bartlett drop out of the team after the Warwickshire game to allow captain Tom Abell back in the side from injury.

As well as Josh Davey and Craig Overton's injury's saw the pair drop out after the Nottinghamshire game for Kasey Aldridge and Jack Brooks to make way.

It is, of course, good to know the best squad of players at any professional sports team, but the question remains, is this Somerset's best squad?