SOMERSET'S search for a top order batsman suffered a setback when Australia called up Joe Burns to make his Test debut against the West Indies.

Burns is understood to have been the batsman the Cidermen’s cricket boss, Matt Maynard, had lined up to join his squad to play in all formats for 2015.

His call up for Australia is likely to have put paid to this.

Having lost the services of Nick Compton and Alviro Petersen, Somer-set’s top order batting was further depleted with the news that Craig Kieswet-ter was taking time out to allow his eye time to fully recover. The 25-year-old Burns looked an ideal candidate to fill the bill.

Burns who played for Leicestershire in 2013, averages over 42 in First Class cricket and recently hit 183 for New South Wales.

However the international call up for Burns, who would have qualified for Somerset as a Kolpak player, means that he is unlikely to be available for the whole of the summer – if at all.

In addition to a top order batsman Somerset are also looking for a second overseas player for the NatWest T20 Blast.

Several names have been mentioned from the international circuit including former Somerset skipper Cameron White, big-hitting West Indian Chris Gayle, and Kevin Pieter-sen, all of whom would be hugely attractive. But as yet there has been indication from the club as to who they will go for.

The problem with the T20 is that it runs over a ten week period. An alternative may be to sign a player on a shorter contract.

Maynard will have a lot to ponder when he returns to his desk at the County Ground on Monday.