SOMERSET host Middlesex for the first time in First-Class cricket since September 2017, when a 231-run defeat consigned the 2016 champions to relegation, with Somerset staying up at their expense.

Middlesex’s managing director of cricket Angus Fraser did not take it well, saying afterwards: “It’s disgraceful what they [Somerset] did.

“I’ve never seen such a doctored pitch.”

While Somerset have gone from strength to strength since 2017’s great escape - finishing runners-up in English First-Class cricket in 2018, 2019 and 2020 - Middlesex have remained stuck in Division 2 of the County Championship.

The teams have already played once this season, on the opening weekend, when Somerset recovered from a first-innings deficit of 141 runs to win by four wickets at Lord’s.

READ MORE: Somerset pull off unlikely turnaround to start season with win

Going into this week's match (April 29-May 2), Somerset sit third in the Group 2 table, after beating Leicestershire last time out, with Middlesex in fourth.

Batsman Eddie Byrom and spinner Lewis Goldsworthy have been added to the Somerset squad by head coach Jason Kerr, with the full 15-man squad as follows:

Tom Abell (c), George Bartlett, Tom Banton, Jack Brooks, Eddie Byrom, Josh Davey, Steve Davies, Marchant de Lange, Lewis Goldsworthy, Lewis Gregory, James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Roelof van der Merwe.

There will be reduced social media coverage of the match, as Somerset join their fellow counties and the England & Wales Cricket Board in standing alongside the football community for a social media boycott from 3pm on Friday, April 30, to 11.59pm on Monday, May 3.