By Anna Thompson

Johnson is in his fourth season at Somerset

Last season they failed to recover from a humiliating double relegation and injuries to key players compounded their sorry state.

They are all fit ahead of the start of this campaign and pace bowler Richard Johnson cannot wait for it to start.

He said: "Our main priority this season is to get promoted."

Somerset finished seventh in Division Two of the County Championship last season and a lowly ninth in the National League.

Johnson, now in his fourth season in Taunton, said: "We started off really well last season, winning three out of the first five games.

"But then we got a few injuries, lost a couple of games and that knocked our confidence and we never really recovered from that.

SOMERSET 2004 Coach: Kevin Shine Captain: Mike Burns Overseas players: Jamie Cox, Nixon McLean, Ricky Ponting (temporary) Players in: Ricky Ponting, John Francis, Thos Hunt Players out: Steffan Jones, James Bryant

"This season we have got to start by setting ourselves shorter aims and goals.

"I know it is an old cliche but we have to take each game as it comes and be hard to beat rather than go out and look for a victory."

Somerset missed key personnel last season, including England pace bowler Andrew Caddick, who was sidelined with a back injury.

Johnson said: "It's great to have Caddick back. We only had him for one game last year and even though this my fourth season at Somerset I have only ever played a couple of games with him.

"It is brilliant to have someone like him in the team and hopefully we can forge a great partnership.

Everyone is excited to have Ponting around and we will be tapping into his mentality and find out what makes him tick Richard Johnson

"We have also got West Indies fast bowler Nixon McLean back so our bowling attack is looking strong.

"Hopefully we will all stay fit and bowl sides out."

The signing of Australian World Cup winning captain Ricky Ponting signals Somerset's serious intent.

He will join them for part of the season and Johnson believes he will be important for team morale.

He said: "Ponting will be a great lift for everybody.

"Everyone is excited to have him around and we will be tapping into his mentality and find out what makes him tick.

"I am sure the fans are looking forward to watching him score a few runs.

"He is such a good player, I think a lot of the young batters will gain a lot from him and hopefully use how he prepares to their own advantage."

There is a healthy competition for places and it's up to people like me and Caddy to prove we should be in the England side Richard Johnson

On a personal basis, Johnson is hoping a good start to the county season will signal a return to the England fold.

"Playing for your country is hard to break into but that is the way it should be," he said.

"I am aiming to put myself into the position where if they are any injuries or a lack of form, I am the next one in line to be called up.

"It's difficult to watch England play because you want to be there but you have got to hand it to those who are bowling at the moment because they have had the opportunity and taken it.

"Caddick will feel the same way. He is still one of the best bowlers around and he will be wanting to get back into the England fold too.

"There is a healthy competition for places and it's up to people like me and Caddy to prove we should be in the side.