SOMERSET captain Justin Langer has given the club a major boost on the eve of the new season.

The former Australian Test star will be available for the club for the entire season after announcing this week he will not be taking part in the Indian Premier League.

Langer was due to miss the start of the county season to join up with the Rajasthan Royals but has decided to commit to Somerset.

He said: “At the end of last season there was some conjecture about how the IPL would affect the continuity of my season with Somerset. With the re-scheduling of the IPL in date and venue, the point was a valid one.

“From the club’s point of view, I am pleased to report the Rajasthan Royals and I have mutually agreed to part ways which enables me to play the entire season for Somerset. I am excited about this and know my 100% commitment to the summer will be significant.”

Somerset start the season at home to promoted Warwickshire in a LV County Championship Division One match, which starts next Wednesday.

Langer is optimistic ahead of the new campaign. He said: “The theme of this season is to improve on what we achieved last season.

“The development has been excellent over the last two years and there isn’t a single reason why we won’t continue that.

“We have a big squad of talented players which should be an advantage. The downside is that we can’t fit 20-odd players into the starting 11 but as long as we are all heading in the same direction, the rewards will be enjoyed jointly.”

Meanwhile, Arul Suppiah batted himself into contention for a starting spot by hitting consecutive centuries in warm up matches.

The off-spinning all-rounder struck 135 off 95 balls in a 236-run stand with James Hildreth (134 off 122 balls) in a last ball defeat to Gamorgan in last Friday’s one-day match.

He then made 102 in this week’s drawn two-day match at home to the same opposition.