Somerset pick up batsman Compton

Compton will aim to revive his international ambitions at Taunton

Batsman Nick Compton has moved from Middlesex to Somerset as the Taunton-based club aim to plug the gap left behind by the retiring Justin Langer.

The 26-year-old grandson of dual England international Denis Compton averaged 33.07 in the Championship and 91.6 in the NatWest Pro40 last season.

"After a hugely promising career start he encountered some problems," said Somerset captain Marcus Trescothick.

"But he seems to have come through that and I believe he will be a big asset."

Director of cricket Brian Rose said: "He has opened mainly in his career but he could drop to three or Arul Suppiah could drop down. That is an issue for Marcus, who rates Nick highly."

606: DEBATE

This move has been described by The Guardian as one of the highest profile moves of the winter!

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Compton is a former captain of Durham University and an England under-19 star, but his progress was slowed by two years of injuries in 2003 and 2004. An excellent 2006 season was then followed by two quieter summers.

He is the second player to move from Lord's to Taunton since the season finished, following Indian spinner Murali Kartik's switch.

And he is the sixth player in all to exit Middlesex, who are left with plenty of holes in a squad short of experienced seamers, and still light of one batsman - even though they have picked up Scott Newman from Surrey.

Director of cricket Angus Fraser is expected to announce the signing of a fast bowler, and an overseas player, in the coming weeks - but BBC Sport understands the club are definitely not in the running to pick up ex-Yorkshire and England star Matthew Hoggard.