Somerset to target recent overseas signings for EPL

Somerset's recent overseas signings - Cameron White, Graeme Smith and Ricky Ponting - will be their potential recruits in 2010 for the English Premier League (EPL). The EPL is likely to mirror the Indian Premier League, which allowed four overseas recruits in a side's playing XI.

"It just depends on the policy for the EPL from the ECB and how the overseas players will be divided," Brian Rose, Somerset's director of cricket, told the Evening Post. "But as far as we are concerned, Cameron White, Graeme Smith and Ricky Ponting, who have all played for the club, would be natural targets for us.

"I am sure all three of them would probably want to play for Somerset again if they can. We have to project forward to 2010 now, as I am sure other counties are doing." The EPL will involve 20 teams, the 18 counties plus two guest teams, and has been scheduled for June 2010. The sides will be split into two divisions.

Justin Langer, Somerset's captain and current overseas player, is under contract for 2009 and is unlikely to extend it, the newspaper reported. White had two successful seasons with Somerset in 2006 and 2007, Ponting played for a month in 2002 while Smith led the side for three months in 2005.

"The batsmen like the pitches but players also like the atmosphere at Taunton as well," Rose said. "The crowds always back Somerset and with the new development Taunton will be the best ground in the country to play a Twenty20 match.

"Also it is a nice town for the families to come to because cricket is the main focus of sport in the county."