Caddick awarded Somerset benefit

Caddick has taken over 1000 first-class wickets for Somerset

Somerset have awarded a second benefit year in 2009 to veteran pace bowler Andrew Caddick in recognition of his 20 years with the county.

The 40-year-old made his first-class debut for the Cidermen in 1991 and went on to play 62 Test matches and 54 one-day internationals for England.

He told the club's website: "It is a real honour to be awarded a benefit.

"My focus of attention is now to make sure that I am fully fit and ready to go for the new season."

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Caddick first appeared for the Somerset second XI in 1989, before going on to make his first-class debut two years later.

He made his Test debut against Australia at Old Trafford in 1993 and went on to take 234 wickets, placing him eighth on the all-time list of English Test wicket-takers.

His final appearance came against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2003, where he picked up 10 wickets in the match as England won by 225 runs to avoid a series whitewash.

Caddy is still going strong and is one of our leading bowlers 10 years after his first benefit

Somerset chief executive Richard Gould

Caddick missed much of last season through injury but returned to pick up six wickets in the match against Lancashire in the final game of the campaign.

"My winter training is going right to schedule and I will begin bowling in the new year," said Caddick.

"My body is doing well so I feel pretty good about things," he added.

Caddick was initially awarded a benefit in 1999 to celebrate 10 years with Somerset and has been awarded a further testimonial to mark the completion of his second decade with the club.

Chief executive Richard Gould said: "Caddy is still going strong and is one of our leading bowlers 10 years after his first benefit.

"He has been a wonderful servant to the club and has been a wonderful example to all of the young cricketers who have grown up sharing a dressing-room with him."