Somerset prepared for Kieswetter loss (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Somerset prepared for Kieswetter loss

9:00am Saturday 13th March 2010 in

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SOMERSET skipper Marcus Trescothick said the club are well prepared for the loss of Craig Kieswetter to England this summer.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who has been fast-tracked since recently qualifying to play for his adopted country England, is likely to miss chunks of the season after a dramatic start to his international career.

The 22-year-old hit 107 from 124 balls in only his third One-Day International against Bangladesh last week and looks set to be given a prolonged run in the side.

Kieswetter’s success also means he is certain to be selected in England’s squad for the ICC World Twenty20 which starts in West Indies at the end of April.

Trescothick, a veteran of 76 Test and 123 ODIs for England, said youngster Jos Buttler will be given his chance: “ We have been very aware of what could happen with Craig since the end of last season.

“He has progressed so well in both one-day and four-day cricket that we knew the opportunity was going to come along at some point and have been preparing accordingly.

“Jos Buttler has been working hard on his wicket-keeping and will be a straight replacement if Craig is away with England.”

Trescothick has also backed Keiswetter to eventually be selected for the England Test side.

“Craig has got that little bit extra about him to progress into that next level of the game and succeed and not get fazed about it.

“I am not surprised he has progressed as quickly as he has done.

“I hope he continues and plays one-day cricket for England for a long time and then gets his chance at Test cricket at some point.

“We will be looking to give him as much time off as he needs. We will talk to him when he gets back and see what he needs to make sure he can get his preparation right for the start of our domestic season back here at Somerset.”