SOMERSET have a great chance of achieving glory at the Twenty20 Champions League, according to Brian Rose.

The club’s director of cricket was upbeat about their chances at the event, which takes place in India in October.

He said: “Of course the opposition will be extremely tough but Twenty20 is the sort of game where a couple of victories can give you momentum.

“There are only 12 teams involved and not many fixtures so I feel we have a good chance. If we do well in our group, anything can happen.”

Somerset’s 15-man squad for India was announced this week and includes Marcus Trescothick, who retired from international cricket due to a well-publicised stress-related illness and has not played overseas since 2006.

Rose said: “It is his (Trescothick’s) intention to make the trip but we appreciate his situation and there are no guarantees. If at any time he feels the need to pull out, we will understand.”

Somerset skipper Justin Langer said: “The way he’s played over the last couple of years means it is a huge boost to have his name on the team sheet.

“He has to ensure things are comfortable for him overseas and that his family will come with him to try to ease the burden. But right now, he’s positive about coming.”

Somerset’s squad also includes 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler. In a big week for the ex-King’s College pupil, he also made his first-class debut in the Championship match at home to Lancashire, which started yesterday (Wednesday).

Somerset Twenty20 Champions League squad: Justin Langer (capt), Marcus Trescothick, Zander de Bruyn, James Hildreth, Craig Kieswetter (wk), Pete Trego, Arul Suppiah, Alfonso Thomas, Max Waller, Charl Willoughby, Wes Durston, Mark Turner, Omari Banks, Ben Phillips, Jos Buttler.

THE games arrive thick and fast for Somerset as the end of the season approaches.

The Championship clash with Lancashire today (Saturday) and they travel to play Hampshire in the Pro40 tomorrow (Sunday).

On Monday, Somerset are away to Worcestershire in a crucial floodlit Pro40 game and then take on the same opposition in a Championship game, which starts next Wednesday.