SOMERSET'S baptism of fire continues when they travel to play Sussex in the LV=Championship at Hove, starting Sunday, writes Richard Walsh.

Having opened their campaign against 2013 runners up Yorkshire and completed their match against last season’s champions Durham on Wednesday, there is no respite for the Cidermen.

Director of cricket Dave Nosworthy said: “The match against Sussex will be the third really tough game in a row for us.

“Having just played the champions Durham and runners up Yorkshire now we are straight into a team that finished third in 2013.

“We know that with the quality players that Sussex have it’s not going to be easy but once again that is what it’s all about. If you want to challenge for top positions you have got to play the best.

“I have no doubt that playing against the best can bring out the best from our top players and we know we are up against quality cricketers and there are no better sides to perform against than the best so I’m looking forward to that.”

In May last year when the two sides met at Horsham, Somerset were comprehensively beaten inside two days, a memory Nosworthy is keen to eradicate.

He added: “What happened last year is history and hopefully we can perform better.”

Meanwhile Pete Trego made a welcome delivered with both bat and ball when he returned to the side from injury against Durham at Chester-le-Street earlier this week.

The 32-year-old was the most economic paceman as Durham posted 308 against a below-par Somerset attack, ending with 3-61 off 21 overs, with seven maidens.

In reply, the visitors found themselves 85-5 before the all-rounder joined Craig Kieswetter and hit 41 from 36 balls to help his side reach 185 in reply.

Trego then claimed wickets in Durham’s second innings to keep Somerset’s hopes alive before the weather put paid to the third day’s play.

Marcus Trescothick’s men return home today from Durham and barely have time to unpack before heading to the south coast on Saturday morning.

Somerset’s next home match is against Nottinghamshire in the Championship which starts at the County Ground on Sunday, May 4.