Somerset, the Cup Match defending champions, will be forced to make at least one change to their squad this year.

Jeff Richardson, the Somerset coach, yesterday confirmed that all-rounder Kamau Leverock has been ruled out through cricket commitments with Sussex Premier League team Horsham Cricket Club in England.

“I have been advised that Kamau is unavailable for Cup Match this year,” Richardson said. “He has cricket commitments overseas and will not be coming back as a result. Obviously, this means there is going to be at least one change this year for Cup Match which is out of our control.”

Asked was Leverock’s unavailability a setback, Richardson added: “I would not call this is a setback. I think it is a move in a direction going forward in changing the shape and strength of the team.

“I think it is kind of unrealistic to think Somerset were going to go indefinitely with the same players. Players lose form, their lives change and they also have other commitments, so I think this is just natural progression.”

Among those vying for Leverock’s vacant position are all-rounders Jordan DeSilva, of Somerset, and Deunte Darrell, of nearby Willow Cuts.

Darrell, the 2010 Cup Match MVP, and DeSilva, are seeking to be recalled to the champion’s team.

DeSilva threw his hat into the ring with a fine all-round display in Somerset’s six-run victory over league champions St David’s at Somerset Cricket Club last weekend, scoring 23 runs, claiming three wickets with his left-arm seam, holding three catches and having a say in two run outs.

Richardson, who has won Cup Match as a player and coach, hopes Leverock’s unavailability will encourage others to try and break into the champion’s team.

“I think it will be in the best interest of players vying for Cup Match to realise that there is a vacancy and hopefully encourage them to perform until final selection,” he said.

“Quite frankly I think the strength of Somerset’s team has been somewhat of a disadvantage trying to attract new talent because players nowadays see a team that is strong and take the view that there is no way they are going to be able to make it.

“They do not even not bother to show up or make an effort to break into the team. It is difficult trying to attract players to a team as strong as Somerset at the moment.”