SOMERSET director of cricket Matt Maynard backed bowlers Jack Leach and Craig Overton for the international limelight with England, saying "the rewards will come" if they continue to perform well for their county.

Both have had their frustrations with the English set-up - Leach having his action flagged up in ECB tests, and Overton being the only member of the England T20 squad not to face South Africa - but Maynard feels it is a case of 'when, not if' for the pair.

Leach took 5-47 and 4-94, and Overton 2-26 and 3-39, in this week's win over Lancashire, after which Maynard was asked about potential international call-ups.

The upcoming Ashes tour of Australia may come too soon for the Somerset boys, with coach Trevor Bayliss saying England are likely to fill their squad with players used in the last 18 months, but the squad will not be announced until after the final two County Championship matches, so there is still time to impress the selectors.

Maynard said: "You look at what Jack's done and what Craig brings to the party as an athlete and a cricketer, it's huge.

"I don't think either are very far away... we'll see what happens." 

Maynard expects England to take a reserve spinner and seamers, bringing the Somerset bowlers into play.

He said: "A reserve spinner... there's a lot of chat in the media about [Mason] Crane.

"Crane or Leach - for me, it's a no-brainer.

"That's nothing against Mason Crane, but he's a young man who's not quite sure of his game yet.

"Jack's a young man who's very assured of his game, and he's been through a tough period as well.

"Moeen Ali is a fantastic spinner, and I think Jack is the next best spinner in the country, so he should be on the plane."

Regarding Overton, Maynard added: "You'd take a reserve batsmen and two seamers... Jake Ball would be up there, and then do they risk a Mark Wood or do they say 'look, we've got a lad down here [in Taunton] who can get bounce on the Australian wickets, is highly skilful, can reverse the ball'?

"That comes down to the selectors' choice, but if they take 17 Craig's got more of a chance."

Whatever happens this year, Maynard is confident his star performers will get their chance on the big stage.

He said: "If the guys keep performing well for Somerset, they'll get their opportunities at some stage - whether that's this winter, or next winter in Sri, next summer in the UK, they'll get their opportunity.

"The most important thing for those lads is to stay focused on doing well for Somerset, and the rewards will come.

"We've got four or five players who could potentially be playing for England in the next three or four years, but like everything these days people want to rush to have it tomorrow.

"Get to understand your game - the guys have done brilliantly, but international cricket is a harsh environment, you have to be absolutely ready for it, and absolutely clear in your gameplan."