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Spin Can Be Key In T20 - Alex

14 June 2012

Alex Gidman believes spin can play an important role in curbing Somerset's big-hitters in tonight's eagerly-awaited Friends Life t20 opener at Bristol (5.30pm).

Gloucestershire have named four spinners, including Muttiah Muralitharan, in a squad of 13 for the game and it is possible all of them could play.

Ed Young was economical in T20 cricket last summer, while Jack Taylor was man-of-the-match in the group victory over Somerset at the County Ground.

Kane Williamson's off-spin is another option for Gloucestershire skipper Hamish Marshall, who is taking over the reins for the competition to give Alex Gidman a break from the responsibility of leading the side.

Alex told this website: "We feel spin can be a key element for us in the Friends Life competition and it is very much part of our plans.

"Ed Young and Jack Taylor are genuine all-rounders in one-day cricket, which is another big plus point when it comes to selection."

Somerset began their T20 campaign with a comprehensive victory over Warwickshire at Taunton last night and Alex insists that, even without injured skipper Marcus Trescothick, they will prove formidable opponents.

He said: "They are definitely the team to beat in our division. They have some very destructive batsmen and have recruited some top players in Richard Levi and Albie Morkel as their overseas signings.

"But we watched some of their game against Warwickshire on TV and feel that there are areas of their game we can exploit. It promises to be a very exciting game."

Gloucestershire (from) H.Marshall (capt), B.Howell, K.Williamson, I.Cockbain, A Gidman, J.Taylor, D.Housego, E.Young, J.Fuller, J.Batty (wkt), D.Payne, I.Saxelby, M.Muralitharan.

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