CAPTAIN Ian Blackwell makes a return to county action on Monday when Somerset take on Gloucestershire in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at the County Ground in Taunton (10.45am).

The Cidermen crashed to a disappointing innings defeat against the old enemy in the championship at Bristol last week and will look to bounce back in their first home game of the season.

It will be Blackwell's first appearance for his county in 2006, after being advised to rest by the England set-up following the Test and one-day tour to India.

Fans will be desperate to see the return of Blackie' who has something of a cult following around the County Ground.

Looking forward to his return the Somerset captain said: "I'm really looking forward to making my first appearance of the season.

"I love to play at the County Ground, in front of what is likely to be a big crowd, as this is our first home match of the season so I shall be hoping for something a bit special."

Many Somerset supporters will also get to see two of the club's new overseas signings, South African Charl Willoughby and Australian Cameron White, for the first time.

Both have already made very good impressions, with Willoughby taking five wickets in the championship match at Bristol and White hitting a superb career best 172 against Gloucestershire.

There is also a possibility that the club's other Australian signing, off spinner Dan Cullen, may arrive from Bangladesh in time to play.