OUTGOING Somerset County Cricket Club chief executive Guy Lavender believes the club are in “an excellent position” to host more international games after the success of Friday’s England v South Africa IT20 at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

More than 12,000 spectators were present to witness the national team’s first match in Taunton since 1983, and Lavender was delighted with how it was hosted.

“It was a superb event that by and large went to plan from our point of view, and we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback,” he said.

“The process started two or three years ago when we had to bid for the match, and since then it has been an enormous undertaking from an awful lot of people.

“I’m delighted for the staff that their hard work was rewarded with such a special event on what turned out to be a superb day for both the club and the town.”

Though the evening was not completely without issues – stewards had to deal with “a couple of incidents of anti-social behaviour” – Lavender was firm in his belief that Somerset have proved they are able to cope with the demands of hosting international cricket.

“I think it puts us in an excellent position going forward – we have shown we can deliver a world-class matchday experience,” he said.

“It was vitally important that we did it well. Had we done it badly, it would have damaged our long-term prospects with regard to attracting similar matches, but we were able to showcase to the ECB and the ICC that we are able to successfully host games of this calibre.”

Lavender is to leave his role as chief executive in September, and admitted it was pleasing from a personal perspective to see the night go so well.

“It felt like a key moment in my six years here, and it was certainly a nice way to round off my tenure – though there is still a lot of work to be done between now and when I go,” he said.

“I was so keen for it to go well, both on a personal level but primarily for the staff here, so I’m delighted that it did.”

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WAVE: Cricket fans create a fine atmosphere in the England v South Africa match, with debutant Liam Livingstone in the foreground. Pic: Somerset CCC

Members of the cricketing media were quick to praise Somerset’s staging of the match, with Simon Hughes – better known as ‘The Analyst’ – writing: “Thought Taunton and Somerset CCC staged that superbly. Great atmosphere. Poorish light at end made it like those Gillette semis in the 70s.”

Sky Sports’ David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd added: “Great game... terrific atmosphere at Taunton!”, while ESPN Cricinfo general editor David Hopps wrote: “Thrilled to see England playing at Taunton. They know and adore their cricket in Somerset.”

Lavender added: “We have had some very positive comments from those in the media, who were impressed with the facilities, and from spectators – we are currently in the process of gathering full customer feedback.”

The onus will now be on the 49-year-old’s successor, Lee Cooper, to continue the momentum that Somerset are building as a venue for international cricket Speaking about his successor, Lavender said: “We carried out an extensive recruitment process, and Lee was the standout candidate.

“He is passionate about cricket, knows the area and will bring fresh ideas to the role.

“His track record speaks for itself – I have no doubt he will be a success and take the club forward.”