Colin Ingram is set to make his Somerset debut in the NatWest T20 Blast fixture with local rivals Gloucestershire at a sold-out Taunton tomorrow night.
The South African batsman is a direct replacement for fellow countryman Alviro Petersen, who jets off for the Proteas’ tour of Sri Lanka after the completion of Somerset’s LV= County Championship match against Middlesex at Uxbridge today.
The short-term move sees Ingram link up with Dave Nosworthy again after working under Somerset’s director of cricket with South Africa A in the past.
The 29-year-old, who has never played county cricket before, is relishing the opportunity to make his Somerset bow in a local derby, telling the club’s official website: “The County Ground has got a bit of character and looks like a place that could have a good atmosphere.
“If all goes well, hopefully I will be playing on Friday night so I am looking forward to getting going.
“Friday night’s local derby will be a great game for me to start with and I’m extremely excited just to get out there and do what I enjoy doing.”
Somerset breathed new life into their quest for a top-four spot in the South Group with a resounding victory over second-placed Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl last Sunday.
The in-form Craig Kieswetter inspired Marcus Trescothick’s side’s to a 39-run triumph with a stunning knock of 60 that propelled him to second in the competition’s leading run-scorers behind Surrey's Jason Roy.
The 26-year-old, opening the innings, has smashed six half-centuries in racking up 458 runs in 10 matches.
Somerset, a point above tomorrow night’s opponents in fifth, face a Gloucestershire side struggling with injuries.
Skipper Michael Klinger is closing in on a return from a broken toe, although this game may be too soon for the Australian, while Craig Miles and Gareth Roderick are making their way back to fitness following their respective back and finger injuries.
However, Matt Taylor is sidelined with shin splints and fellow bowler James Fuller has a foot problem.
Ian Cockbain’s half-century led his side to victory over Sussex Sharks last week to keep them in the hunt for a quarter-final place.
NatWest T20 Blast fact
* Somerset have won seven of their last nine completed Twenty20 games against Gloucestershire.