SOMERSET all-rounder Alfonso Thomas is hoping his cricketing year lives up to its pre-season promise.

With their first pre-season friendly due to take place in just three weeks' time against Gloucestershire in Bristol, the Somerset players who have been overseas this winter are returning to the County Ground to step up their preparations.

And all-rounder Thomas, who has been one of the key factors in Somerset's successful run over the last two summers, is on a high after attending a reception at Buckingham Palace where he was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth last week.

"This has to go down as one of the greatest days of my life," the 33-year-old former South African international said. "I went to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday and what a privilege it was. It was one of the highlights of my life. I had a new suit and specially polished shoes.

"I met the Queen and shook her hand and I spoke to Prince Phillip who was behind her. He looked at my name badge and it said Somerset County Cricket Club on it and he said 'You have got to be a bowler! I was just so proud.

"The experience was just one of those things that you cant put into words so to round off by winning a trophy for Somerset would be a fitting end to the way that it has started for me back here in England this year."

Thomas is optimistic that Somerset can build on their promising progress in recent seasons. He said: "This season is going to be pretty exciting here at Somerset, especially with the signing of Cameron White and Kieron Pollard so it will be really exciting playing alongside them in the Twenty20.

"Last year we were in the running for every competition going in the final run into the season so this summer we just have to raise the bar that little bit more and take that extra step and win some silverware."

Ben Phillips is another Somerset player who has returned to Taunton, after spending two months training in Melbourne, and he has returned even more determined to make the 2010 season a successful one.

He said: "This season I want to play in every game in all forms of the game. In 2009 I didn't get to play too much championship cricket, which was frustrating. I played a lot of one day cricket, but I am looking to take more responsibility with both bat and ball."

Phillips knows exactly what is required from him if he is to achieve his aim. "I know to get that I need to perform consistently so I know what I have got to do to achieve that I just need to go out and do it. I want to play in every game for Somerset this season.

"There will be a lot of cricket and a lot of competition for places in the team but if you can go into a season with that mindset then you know what you are trying to achieve. All I can do is focus on my target and make sure I am in the best condition I can be and doing the best I can with both bat and ball.

"It's been nice to be away and enjoy the experiences I have had but now I am back here with my Somerset team-mates I just want to get back in and be part of the pre-season build up."

Phillips also backed new captain Marcus Trescothick to be a success in his new role this summer.

He said: "We have got a big summer ahead of us but Marcus will do a good job as our new captain. He is a class player and part of the furniture at the County Ground and will do well.

"He is one of the good blokes in the team and will be good in the dressing room as well. He has always been a legend in my eyes and I look forward to playing for him this summer."

ESSEX are on the lookout for a world-class spinner to replace Danish Kaneria when he goes on international duty.

Leg-spinner Kaneria will be available for the first three months of the season but will then be away for Pakistan's series against Australia.

"We would like a world-class spinner to come in while Danish is with Pakistan," coach Paul Grayson said. "But India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are playing at the same time so it won't be easy to find the right man."