South African all-rounder JJ Nel has been included in the Vice-President’s XI for champions Somerset’s final Cup Match trial in the West End on Saturday.

Nel has produced some good performances this season, including a polished knock of 81 in a losing cause for PHC in the opening round of the Western Counties.

He is by no means a stranger to Somerset selectors as he also plays his league cricket for the club after joining them from Flatts Victoria at the beginning of the season.

Nel is attempting to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Saleem Mukuddem who made four appearances for Somerset in the two-day Annual classic. Mukuddem set a new colts record of 160 not out on his debut at Wellington Oval in 2003 and also maintains the highest average of 96 in Cup Match.

One notable absentee from the trial is Brianna Ray. Bermuda’s best female cricketer took part in the match this year but has travelled to Dominican Republic to represent the island as part of the netball team for the Central American and Caribbean Games

“I think the teams are strong for the final trial and we wish all the players best of luck,” Janeiro Tucker, the Somerset coach, told The Royal Gazette.

The club have also announced the team that will take on holders St George’s Cricket Club in the annual Colts Cup Match they will host on Sunday.

The challengers team is comprised of captain Ajani Lee, vice-captain Callum McIntosh, Tai Cariah, Callum McFarlane, Patrick Dill, Amari Davis, Nyrico Swan, Darrien Gibbons, Jamori Manders, Dionte Dowling, Fletcher Logie and reserves Wysdom Symonds, Dante Rawlings and Phillip Richardson.