By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

The best season in Somerset's history in 2001 was followed by one of the worst in recent memory.

They did reach Lord's in the C&G Trophy but even that ended in a comfortable defeat to Yorkshire.

Ian Blackwell hopes to stay in the England one-day picture

Things can only get better after last season and if Somerset play to their potential, they probably will.

Andy Caddick's decision to retire from one-day internationals is a bonus. When he plays for Somerset in the championship, he rarely fails to make an impact.

While recovering from injury last season, he took 34 wickets in five games. He could play at least as many this time.

An attempt has been made to strengthen the bowling attack but the main problem last season was unavailability not lack of quality.

Richard Johnson missed seven matches through injury and Steffan Jones nine.

Both were instrumental in helping Somerset into the runners-up spot in 2001 and a full season from both should make Somerset genuine contenders again.

If there are more injuries this time, then at least there are more options.

Nixon McLean returns to county cricket after two seasons with Hampshire in the late 60s and he should relish bowling on Taunton's bouncier pitches.

There is one proviso. His selection for the World Cup indicates he could be in West Indies' plans for the series with Australia and Somerset must wait for news of his availability.

Aaron Laraman joins from Middlesex with both parties hoping he can emulate the success of two others who have made the same move west - Johnson and Keith Dutch.

Laraman has had injury problems and his record is not exceptional but sometimes a change of county can transform a player's career.

SOMERSET 2003 Coach: Kevin Shine Captain: Michael Burns Overseas players: Nixon McLean, Jamie Cox Players in: Aaron Laraman, James Bryant Players out: Graham Rose, Peter Trego

Michael Burns, the only batsman to score 1,000 runs last season, takes over as captain from Jamie Cox, but the county have rewarded the latter's dedication by retaining him as overseas player.

Free from the responsibility, Cox needs to rediscover the form that made him such a success at the start his Somerset career.

No one averaged above forty in 2002 so Somerset have taken the expedient route to bolster the batting, signing a South African with an English passport.

James Bryant has toured the West Indies with South Africa A but qualifies to play county cricket because he has an English father.

He admits it was hard to give up the chance to play Test cricket for South Africa but now wants to play for England.

He will not qualify until he is 31. Make of that what you will

Veteran Peter Bowler, now 39, will be long gone by then but he remains one of the linch-pins of the batting line-up.

Bowler, together with Ian Blackwell, Rob Turner and Matthew Wood should ensure Somerset should score enough runs to make a swift return to the First Division a strong possibility