SOMERSET’S cricketers, who are not overseas, have been back from the festive break and training for the last two weeks.

Head coach Jason Kerr said: “Everyone had a good break and took the opportunity to refresh, and they’ve come back hungry, and we’ve had a couple of really productive weeks.

“Cricket is 12 months per year now and it takes a huge amount out of the players during the summer, so the Christmas break gives the opportunity to take a step back, rest and recover so we can go again.

“One of the most exciting challenges is getting people into a frame of mind where they see every day as an opportunity to improve. That’s the only way that you can improve and we’re really fortunate we’ve got a great group who enjoy the challenge of getting better daily.

“Everyone’s looking forward to pre-season and there’s a real sense of excitement ahead of the new season. There’s real camaraderie and connectivity around the group and there’s a very high work ethic.

How does Jason ensure that the squad move on from last season’s disappointments? “The biggest learnings come through adversity, whether that’s a tough environment in the indoor school or being on the wrong side of results.

“We’ve certainly learnt some lessons from last year. The reality is that last year has gone. We need to stay in the here and now and maximise what we can do as we look to the summer

“2025 presents another opportunity for us to play exciting cricket and to get the group to be the best versions of themselves. If we can concentrate on that then we’ll come out on the right side of a lot of results.

How do Somerset deal with so many players being away during the winter?

“It’s a challenge and you need the players to take responsibility a little bit when they’re away. We’ve got players in Australia, South Africa and the UAE. Some are involved in franchise cricket, and some are working with clubs, and they’ve got a responsibility to manage and look after themselves to a certain extent. You always have to look at what the positives are within the circumstances that you find yourself.

“Some guys are away, and you have the challenge of maintaining that unity within the group.”

Kerr talked about some of the younger players overseas.“Our players have been performing really well. They’re inspiring people and they’re also gaining experience and confidence. Fin Hill has been prolific, and Josh Thomas has been doing really well too, which is great.

“For those two though it’s also about the life experience. They will come back as more mature individuals.

”2025 is a landmark year for Somerset County Cricket Club. Not only is it the Club’s 150th anniversary, a professional women’s team will also take to the field for the first time.

How does he feel that the women’s team are settling in to their new home?“The transition has been smooth and the relationships are growing between the two squads. There’s excitement because of this change and the men are looking forward to being proud of the women’s team. As we get into the season and the women start taking to the field, the men will become big fans of the women’s team.”