Champions Somerset will make at least one change to their Cup Match team this year as vice-captain Alje Richardson has been ruled out through hamstring injury.

“Alje is unavailable for Cup Match this year. He has a hamstring tear, so that’s definitely one spot up for grabs,” Somerset coach Janeiro Tucker told The Royal Gazette.

The early-order batter and son of retired coach Jeff Richardson made his Cup Match debut at Wellington Oval in 2019, stroking 30 from 31 balls, and has also served as the captain of Somerset’s league team.

Among those trying to break into the champions’ team this year is Bermuda Under-19 captain Zeri Tomlinson, who has switched loyalties after four years as a reserve for St George’s.

“He is a quality young player,” Tucker said. “He can bat, field and keep wicket, so he’s definitely a good player looking towards the future. When you look at the young guys, you have Dalin Richardson, Alex Dore and even Nacori Smith, so it’s interesting at the end of the day.”

Club player Dore was named as a reserve for Somerset last year, along with Western Stars opening batter Jaiden Manders, who is back for another shot this year.

Another player trying their luck up west is Flatts’ Brianna Ray, who has also impressed Tucker in training.

“Brianna is up there and plays very hard,” he said. “I have been impressed with her in every aspect.

“She does things better than some of these guys and you can tell that she’s played at a higher level probably than Bermuda when it comes to league cricket.”

Ray was named among three reserves in Flatts’ team for the Eastern Counties first round last weekend, but notified the coaching staff of her unavailability in the lead-up to the match, which the challengers lost by ten runs.

Tucker also confirmed that Terryn Fray will again lead Somerset’s Cup Match team into battle against St George’s at Wellington Oval on July 31 and August 1.

The Bailey’s Bay captain took over leadership of the team from Jordan DeSilva last year after serving for several years as vice-captain.

“Fray is still the captain and will continue to lead the team until whenever,” Tucker said.

“The committee backs Fray, who is a leader, leads well and right now is the perfect person for the job.”

Fray made the ideal start to his captaincy, leading Somerset to a resounding 226-run victory over St George’s at Somerset Cricket Club last year.

Tucker is happy with the progress the champions have made in preparation for their title defence in the East End this year.

“The preparations are going quite well. The numbers are high, the effort has been there by the players and that’s all I can ask for right now,” he said.

“It’s interesting and now it’s about showing your craft; what you can do, and put yourself into the team. It’s about showing your worth, follow the game plan, what’s asked of you and if you do good, then you pick yourself.

“I don’t think anybody is going to come up there and not put their best foot forward because that’s not what it’s about.”

Somerset made two changes last year with club all-rounders Dominic Sabir and Jermal Proctor coming in as colts.

Tucker and his fellow selection committee members, which also include captain Fray, will run the rule over their options after the final trial on Saturday.

“It’s five of us that have to sit down and analyse Cup Match and league stats, look at what players can do, their mental and physical fitness,” Tucker said.

“It’s a lot to look at — and not just a name player. We have to look at the overall picture moving forward in terms of Cup Match and as a club.”