While the desire to build a potential match-winning outfit will fuel changes at St George’s, any alterations at Somerset will be borne less out of necessity and more to bolster an ascendant yet ageing team.

As champions playing at home, the West Enders have the luxury of inserting new talent among familiar confines, but Somerset co-cricket chairman Michael Corday intimated that the selectors may seriously consider making a few changes.

All-rounders Jermal Proctor and Dominic Sabir are two believed on the cusp of the team, as is opening batter Alex Dore, who impressed earlier this year at the Bermuda Smash Invitational and has continued to perform well at the top of the order while playing for Team Pirates of Canada’s Brampton Cricket League.

“We are always looking at blooding young players,” said Corday when interviewed during practice at Somerset Cricket Club on Tuesday.

“This year in particular, I think that there is a higher chance of some young players breaking into the team. Fortunately for us, our young players are in form with both bat and ball.

“Without calling names, I’m pretty optimistic that even if we do make some changes it will actually strengthen the team. We’re not going to lose any balance if we do make changes.

“We have some ‘good’ problems and it’s going to be interesting either way at the selection on Saturday night.”

Using Proctor as an example, the 18-year-old has opened the batting and taken the new ball for much of the league season, but he would prospectively bat well down the order.

Somerset are rich in the batting department with established stars such as new captain Terryn Fray, Tre Manders, Dion Stovell, Alje Richardson and Kamau Leverock, and a late order of legitimate all-rounders in Derrick Brangman and Malachi Jones.

“I think that batting and bowling we’re strong no matter what,” continued Corday.

“A guy like Proctor, if he were to be picked, would have to go farther down the order, but the way that he has been batting this year has been exceptional.

“If you have a team that is getting older, rather than younger, then now is the time to look at those things.

Macquille Walker, a colt last year, remains a concern with his fitness, having spent much of the past month working his way back into match shape after sustaining a severe ankle injury while playing football last season for Hamilton Parish.

“That is the only injury concern that we have,” explained Corday.

“But, he is looking strong and is getting stronger. He’s working hard in training, but it’s something we’re going to have to look at.”

Opener Chris Douglas’s position has been the subject of speculation, with his recent on-the-field antics while playing for PHC resulting in a four-game suspension, but he appeared at ease during training despite the pressure being placed on him by Dore.

“Again the problems that we have are good problems,” Corday said. “They’re problems that a coaching staff wants to have, because it’s almost as if no matter what decision is made every one is a good one.

“Those are the problems we want to have. Those are situations we have created here and I’m not worried at all.”

Jones has been absent from a number of training sessions with work commitments, despite his previously stated goal of wanting to be a part of the midsummer classic through 2026.

In good form with the bat for Warwick this season, he arrived at training 15 minutes before the end of the session on Tuesday

Meanwhile, the club is hopeful of sending coach Jeff Richardson in to retirement on a winning note, this being his twelfth year at the helm.

“We certainly hope to,” concluded Corday. “That would be ideal and he deserves it.”