Somerset Academy batsman Chris Jones has recently returned from South Africa during the winter where he spent time working alongside former County Ground favourite Jimmy Cook.

"We spent nine days out in South Africa to get some pre-season training, to get outdoors, work on our fitness and play some cricket and meet up with Jimmy Cook who worked with us over in Taunton last summer."

"It was a most valuable experience because he worked through some technical and tactical issues and also talked about our mindsets."

During the time that he spent out in South Africa the Somerset youngster was based at The Wanderers in Johannesburg, where he made use of all of their facilities and worked everyday with their fitness coach.

"I linked up with Omari Banks out there which was great. He has played Test match cricket alongside people like Brian Lara so I was able to learn so much from him during the time we were there together."

Chris, who has been a member of the Academy at the County Ground for almost five years, was 17years old in November and combines studying at Richard Huish College in Taunton with his cricketing activities.

"I live in Bournemouth so I am away from home living locally in Taunton during the week, but go back home at weekends, which is a bit different for me."

Last summer Chris played his club cricket for Bashley CC, where leg spinner Max Waller also plays, who compete in the Southern League and also played a number of Under 17 games for Somerset.

"This summer I hope that I get some more opportunities to play for Somerset Seconds in addition to which I hope to play for Dorset in the Minor Counties.This a big year for me because it is my last season in junior cricket and I know that I have a lot of work to do if I am going to make the grade."