Earlier today Somerset Chief Executive told me, "Cox will continue as captain of Somerset in 2002, but on the limited occasions that Trescothick is available Marcus will captain."

The Chief Executive then went on to explain the background to this decision. He told me, "During the summer there has been a good deal of debate between Kevin Shine, Jamie Cox and myself regarding Jamie's responsibilities both in Tasmania and here at Somerset. In Tasmania it has been decided that Ponting will captain, and Cox will act as captain when Ponting is not there, which will be most of the time."

Mr Anderson continued, "Somerset didn't like that proposal because the responsibilities of being captain of an English First Class county is much more wide ranging than that of state captain in Australia. We musn't have blurred lines of management, especially when the pressure builds up as the season progresses."

"The arrangement that we have come up with gives the opportunity for Cox to have a rest from captaincy, and Trescothick captain experience which will stand him in good stead for his England future."

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