Somerset captain Justin Langer believes his side can launch a challenge for the County Championship title next season.
Somerset skipper looking for title challenge next season.
Somerset captain Justin Langer believes his side can launch a challenge for the County Championship title next season.
Somerset strolled to the Division Two title last season, and the county will now be looking to take the big prize when they play in the top tier next season.
Australian batsman Langer will be leading his side again and the 37-year-old believes they have the quality to make an instant impact.
"If we stay injury free and continue to build on last year there's no reason we can't win," Langer told Radio Bristol.
"That's a great challenge and something that's certainly a huge motivation for me at this stage of my career.
"I've been a fortunate person to play in some successful teams but I was thrilled with Somerset and I was thrilled with the progression the club made.
"The way the guys played their cricket was very inspiring. They worked hard, played hard and we had a great time as a result. You have fun when you're having success."
Caddick class
Langer pinpointed the experienced England pair of Andy Caddick and Marcus Trescothick as key to the club's success next season.
Caddick made light of his 39 years as he claimed 70 wickets last season and, despite a back operation, Langer believes he will again be one of the best around and is at a loss to explain his England omission.
"If you know you've got an Andy Caddick who's going to keep putting the ball in the same areas, take wickets and be as fierce a competitor as he is makes my job as a captain easier.
"It's so good to have his leadership, expertise and pure skill.
"In my view, besides Andrew Flintoff he's still the best bowler in England. His season last year proved that.
"I'm staggered he hasn't played a lot more Test cricket in the last 10 years. In fact, I'm staggered he hasn't played every Test for the last 10 years, that's how highly I rate him."
Tresco troubles
Trescothick has endured much-publicised health problems which have prevented him returning to the England set-up, but that has been to Somerset's benefit as he smashed 1,315 runs at 62.61 last season.
"Marcus was absolutely outstanding," Langer added.
"When I arrived it was obviously very public him leaving Australia and the Ashes in what for a lot of us was the biggest series of our career.
"But I love the way he goes about his business internationally and domestically and his contribution in the clubhouse was just fantastic.
"He's a terrific person, a natural leader and his contribution was immense."
