Who is the captain?

Justin Langer, who has put his Somerset contract before the IPL. His Test-match feats and purposeful character command respect

Who is the overseas player?

Langer, one of many excellent signings the club have made from Australia. He is determined to make Somerset county champions for the first time

Who has arrived?

Omari Banks, an off spinner but not an overseas player through coming from Anguilla, a British protectorate, Andy Sutton, a medium-pace bowler, Max Waller, a leg spinner, and Alfonso Thomas, the South African fast bowler, as a Kolpak player

Who has left?

Gareth Andrew, who has gone to Worcestershire, Matthew Wood, who joined Nottinghamshire, and Sam Spurway, a reserve wicketkeeper

What has the IPL/ICL done to them?

Langer will not join the IPL until next year. Marcus Trescothick would have been a draw, but doubtless would not have wanted to travel

What is their nickname?

Sabres

How did they fare last season?

LV County Championship: winners, second division; NatWest Pro40: 2nd, second division; Friends Provident Trophy: 6th, South conference; Twenty20 Cup: 5th, Midlands/West/Wales group

What are their prospects?

Do not bet against them becoming divisional champions for a second year in succession, assuming they can bowl sides out on the flat pitches at Taunton

What are their strengths?

The batting of Langer and Trescothick, the willingness of Andrew Caddick, the spin of Banks and quick middle-order runs. James Hildreth has the talent to play for England

What are their weaknesses?

Caddick is not young and neither is Charl Willoughby, his new-ball partner. An uneven - if enjoyable for spectators - balance between bat and ball at the County Ground

One to watch

Craig Kieswetter, a South African with a British passport who made a considerable impression as a batsman/wicketkeeper last year