Albert Steede has worked out how he intends to beat St. George's in the 98th Cup Match over the coming two days.

But the new Somerset captain prefers to show rather than tell.

"I'm not going into specifics, I like the element of surprise,'' said Steede.

"Obviously we need to get them out twice under our score, that's looking at the big picture. In detail, we have to look at every batsman very carefully and try to figure out how to get them out.

"Then we have to look at us to see what's the quickest way we can get runs.

Hopefully when we add those two equations up it will equal a victory for us.'' Steede and rival captain Herbie Bascome will have the distinction of being the last captains in Cup Match this century. Both would love to mark the occasion with a victory, though, from Bascome's perspective, the pressure not to lose the cup will be enormous.

After all, his father-in-law, Gregory (Brutus) Foggo, still gets reminded that he lost the cup to Somerset in 1979 -- ending a 20-year wait for the west enders.

It has only been been three years since Somerset's last victory -- in which Stede played a major role with his century -- and now he would like to guide them to another triumph over the old enemy.

The absence of Clay Smith and Glenn Blakeney in the St. George's team could be just the break Somerset need.

"No matter who St. George's pick, there are so many talented players down there that it's going to be a challenge. I think we have an extremely good chance this year, we have a more balanced team.

"Without Clay and Glenn that enhances our chances greatly. Clay is a good friend of mine but I told him jokingly I wouldn't mind not seeing him at Cup Match. It will be easier knowing he is not in the 11.'' Somerset made three changes this year, compared with six last year, and Steede and vice captain Dexter Basden will carry the brunt of the batting along with the recalled Richard Basden, Janeiro Tucker, Kwame Tucker and Irving Romaine.

Colts Curtis Jackson, who will opening the batting, and strike bowler Wendell White, will also play key roles as will the spinners Hasan Durham, Del Hollis and Dwayne Leverock.

"I do anticipate the wicket taking some spin,'' said Steede. "As the day progresses it will take more and more turn so hopefully our spinners can get five or six wickets between them and the seamers the remaining ones.

"Curtis and I will definitely open the batting, but as far as the bowling goes we have Wendell White. Who is coming from the other end is a question mark.

"I'll make that decision on the day. There are a few guys who are capable of taking the new ball.'' Somerset sought out Steede for the captaincy over Dexter Basden and the new captain admits he will be bringing his own style to the job.

"You are going to see some very unconventional things from me this year,'' he promised.

"I'm not going to be the typical captain, I'm going to use the element of surprise. I don't have anything to lose and people come to see aggressive cricket so that will only enhance the occasion that much more.

"I would rather lose while going all out rather than being conservative and drawing. I am an aggressive type of person anyhow.'' Steede is encouraged to know that Basden is giving him the same support that Basden received from him as vice captain.

"Dexter is behind me 100 per cent as I was with him,'' said Steede. "He is one man who is team first, and I will welcome his input at all times. Not just him, but the others as well.'' Bascome has even more experience to call on as three of his senior players, Clevie Wade, Charlie Marshall and Arnold Manders are all past or present captains.

"With the players I have in the team I have a good understanding with them,'' said Bascome, who is playing in his third Cup Match.

"If I need to ask any questions I'm pretty sure the help is right there. I look at the team as our team, not my team. At the end of the day I don't want to be the one saying I won this game, but that we all pitched in and did a job.'' Bascome had a memorable Cup Match in 1997 when he and Gary Bascome ripped through the Somerset batting to lead St. George's to victory by eight wickets.

The pair took 14 wickets between them during the two days, including nine of the 10 in the first innings.

With Clarkie Trott joining them in a three-pronged attack, Somerset's batsmen could be under early pressure, especially if the wicket lends assistance.

"The wicket should play nice and true, we've played on it twice and trained on it the other night and it's pretty even,'' said Bascome.

"Even with the rain on Saturday I was surprised that the wicket played the way it played. The benefit to our bowlers was that we were able to keep the line and let the pitch help us.'' Herbie prides himself on the success he has had against Steede. He trapped him lbw in the second innings last year and also removed him in the first innings in 1998.

"I find with the type of batsman Albert is, if you can frustrate him when it comes to scoring you should have a chance of getting him,'' said Bascome.

"That could be to my benefit because I don't get discouraged when somebody hits me. We have to look at him, Dexter and Richard, who is batting pretty good now.

"The team that is going to win the game is the team that bowls the best.''