Defending champions Somerset have rung the changes ahead of this year’s Annual Classic, making three adjustments to the side that retained the Cup in last year’s rain-affected draw against St George’s at Wellington Oval.
In are Jermal Proctor, Kwasi James, both recalled, while Jaiden Manders has been included as a colt.
Out are Alex Dore, Dalin Richardson and MacQuille Walker.
The biggest talking point is the impending debut of young Jaiden Manders. The colt forced his way in after a polished 82 in Saturday’s final trial match and caught the selectors’ eye. He replaces Alex Dore at the top of the order.
Jermal Proctor returns as a direct like-for-like swap for seam bowler MacQuille Walker. Proctor was omitted last year but comes back into favour to bolster the pace attack.
Kwasi James replaces Dalin Richardson and offers Somerset more balance. As well as adding depth to the middle order with the bat, James is a legitimate bowling threat — something Richardson didn’t provide in 2025.
Coach Janeiro Tucker, who kept the Cup in his first year in charge in 2025, clearly wants more all-round options.
Last year Somerset batted first and posted 291, with half-centuries from Terryn Fray (60), Dion Stovell (65), and Tre Manders (59). They then declared their second innings at 209-7 with Fray making another 57.
In the field, Somerset struggled to break through as Delray Rawlins hit 76 and 98 for St George’s. The match was ultimately decided by a three-hour rain delay on day two that killed any chance of a result.
The core of the Cup-retaining team remains: Captain Terryn Fray, vice-captain Dominic Sabir, Kamau Leverock, Dion Stovell, Zerai Tomlinson, and Derrick Brangman.
Leverock and Brangman were key with the ball last year, and Fray reached 800 Cup Match runs across both innings.
Somerset 2026 Cup Match Squad: Terryn Fray (captain), Domionic Sabir (vice-captain), Kamau Leverock, Jaiden Manders (colt), Dion Stovell, Cerai Tomlinson, Malachi Jones, Derrick Brangman, Jermal Proctor, Kwasi James
Reserves: Jan-Johan Nel, Callum McFarlane, Callum McIntosh
With Proctor and James adding bowling depth and Manders bringing fresh batting energy, Somerset look to have addressed the areas that were exposed when St George’s fought back in 2025. The goal will be the same as last year: keep the Cup in the West.
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