By Simon Mann Test Match Special commentator

Somerset have regressed dramatically since a glorious season in 2001 when they finished second in the Championship and won the C&G Trophy.

Somerset hope Ricky Ponting's brief stay will inspire the team

The team fared so badly last summer that chief executive Peter Anderson felt compelled to send his well-publicised warning letter to many of the players.

There has not been a significant change of personnel in the winter months but surely the team cannot perform so poorly again.

A lot will depend on the availability of key players.

A team containing Ricky Ponting, Marcus Trescothick, Andy Caddick, Richard Johnson, Nixon McLean and Ian Blackwell is a formidable one.

But rarely will those six feature together - if at all.

The extent of Caddick's fitness following his back operation will be a key factor.

He has committed himself to the club by signing a four-year contract - optimistic for a 35 year-old pace bowler - but he is determined to regain his England place and that has to be to Somerset's advantage.

Caddick has proved to be a formidable bowler at county level and will be a threat if his body does not rebel.

Caddick should provide much-needed support for Nixon McLean

Richard Johnson's knee problems are a constant source of concern and if injury does not claim him, then England probably will.

Nixon McLean performed valiantly on his own last season. His fitness record was excellent and he was the county's leading wicket-taker in both forms of league cricket, but he needs support.

Mike Burns has been re-appointed captain after the county failed to persuade Ian Ward to join from Surrey.

This was hardly an emphatic endorsement of Burns' leadership although he accepted that trying to sign Ward was too good an opportunity to miss.

John Francis, brother of Simon, has been signed to replace James Bryant, who has left to join Derbyshire.

Francis had a disappointing season with Hampshire in 2003 but at least he is young and English, which is more than can be said for Bryant.

The most eye-catching signing is that of the Australian captain Ricky Ponting.

SOMERSET'S 2003 RECORD County Championship: 7th, Division Two National League: 9th, Division Two C&G Trophy: 4th round Twenty20 Cup: 5th in Midlands/Wales/West Group

Somerset had better make the most of him because he will be appearing for a limited time only - five weeks straddling July and August.

Jamie Cox returns for a sixth season and will act as his stand-in for the rest of the season.

The muscular hitting of Ian Blackwell remains the best reason for a day out at Taunton while further up the order they will look to 23 year-old Matthew Wood and 20 year-old Neil Edwards.

Wood struggled last season after two good years; Edwards emerged with a maiden championship century and an average of 40.

Somerset's best chance of success could be in the C&G Trophy if they can get all or most of their stars together for the knock-out rounds.

Apart from that, they will only be satisfied if they are genuine promotion contenders in the Championship.