Somerset sign youngsters

14 September 2006

Mark Turner © Getty Images

Somerset continued their end-of-season recruitment drive with the signings of Mark Turner and Craig Kieswetter.

Having lured seamer Steffan Jones back to Taunton from Derbyshire this week, Somerset added 21-year-old pace bowler Turner and
18-year-old South African wicket-keeper Kieswetter to their ranks.

Turner, a former England Under-19 international who made his first-class debut last season, has been released by Durham after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by since progressing through the Academy.

Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose said: "We are signing Mark for his potential, having received strong recommendations from people whose opinion we respect.

"It's up to senior bowlers like Andrew Caddick to take him under his wing and help develop his game."

Durham head coach Martyn Moxon said: “His chances of securing a place in the first XI are greater at Somerset.

“However, we are proud of the progress Mark has made and we would like to wish him the very best of luck for the future.”

Turner added: “Obviously, I’m sorry to be leaving Durham because I have really enjoyed my time here but I am excited at the prospect of furthering my career at Taunton.”

Kieswetter, who has a British passport, represented South Africa in the last Under-19 World Cup and has scored two centuries for Somerset second XI this season.

"He is a very promising batsman as well as a keeper," said Rose.

"Both signings are part of our long-term strategy. We need to nurture players from a young age and the more talent we have to work with the better."