Despite losing brothers Richard and Dexter Basden, champions Somerset believe their chances of retaining the Cup Match trophy are as good as ever.

Indeed, chairman of the selectors Anthony Bailey yesterday intimated that a bet on the west enders is a sound investment.

According to Bailey, the news that the brothers will not be available for this year's contest at Wellington Oval is not a surprise at all - this information was long known to Somerset, he noted.

Dexter, the older of the brothers and vice-captain to Albert Steede last year, had told the club of his intentions last year after helping Somerset win the trophy, while Richard, who actually sat out last year's game through injury, also recently disclosed his intentions to walk away from the mid-summer classic.

Both would have been serious challengers for a spot in this year's squad.

But the important thing is that Somerset, while admitting that it may be difficult to replace the experience of the duo, feel there are some capable players remaining in their pool from which to make decent additions.

“We must remember that Richard didn't play at all for us last year, and while Dexter did play and contributed a great deal the important thing is that their absence hasn't weakened the pool of players from which we have to chose from,” said Bailey.

“We did have other candidates in the wings who were actually waiting to come in last year, and this now gives them the opportunity to showcase themselves this time around.

“The Basdens' absence is not going to be a detriment to the team - we will still go down there to Wellington Oval with a strong team and still come out with the type of result we will be aiming for which is a victory . . . or not to lose.”

Bailey confirmed that there has been no reconsideration by Dexter, nor had the club made any last ditch efforts to persuade him to change his mind.

“I am confident that we will have just as good a team,” he said. “I must admit those fellows have the experience and if we were to put somebody in as a colt they will lack that. But we will still be tough to beat.”

He added: “It was no surprise when Dexter confirmed it again recently, the only mild surprise comes in the case of Richard, even though last year he was thinking about quitting the game and becoming more involved in the managerial aspect of things.

“We are not complacent and we are not panicking at all. We are going to field a very good team, a winning team as we always do.”

St. George's have no similar problem with their selection, chairman Lewis Foggo also admitting that his pool of players is loaded with talent.

From last year's team, medium pacer Gary Brangman will not be playing, but replacements are raring to replace him.

They are pleased to see all-rounder Lionel Cann make a fine comeback after a month lay-off because of a motorcycle injury - Cann scoring a brisk 27 and taking one wicket for two runs off two balls for St. David's against PHC in a Premier Division game on Sunday.

“The good news is that Lionel is back playing after his injury. Now it is up to him to prove that he is worth his place,” said Foggo.

“Nobody else is doubtful, Gary Brangman cannot be looked at because he is not a member, but our pool of players is great, very sound. We have no concerns and are confident of winning the trophy back, that's for sure.”