Thomas has played one Twenty20 international for South Africa

Somerset have appointed South African all-rounder Alfonso Thomas vice-captain for 2010.

The former Warwickshire man joined the county in 2008.

Somerset captain Marcus Trescothick said: "His knowledge of the game and determination is pretty much what we want in any character."

Thomas said; "I still want to be one of the lads, but will have to look at things from a more senior position within the team."

Somerset enjoyed a positive 2009, finishing third in the County Championship and performing well in the competitions.

New England star Craig Kieswetter was among the players returning to Taunton for the first day of practice on Wednesday, and with new faces this season including Indian star Murali Kartik and former Middlesex batsman Nick Compton, and Trinidadian Kieron Pollard and Australian Cameron White coming into the county's Twenty20 set-up, Kieswetter is certain Somerset is a club 'definitely going in the right direction'.

"It's been a really hectic winter for me, but I've put in the hard yards in training, I'm in good shape, and I'm chuffed to be back with all the lads," said Kieswetter.

"We've made some quality signings which I'm really excited about, especially for one-day cricket."

Meanwhile the county's first pre-season fixture, against Gloucestershire in Bath, has been postponed due to heavy rain. Somerset's first county fixture is on 15 April at Headingley.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version