Jordan DeSilva is set to continue as the captain of Somerset’s Cup Match team.

Doubts over the all-rounder’s future in the role were raised, with having seen very limited action this season because of undisclosed health issues.

However, Michael Corday, chairman of Somerset’s selection committee, confirmed that DeSilva is set to lead the holders in to battle as they defend their title on their own patch at Somerset Cricket Club next Thursday and Friday.

“We have actually spoken with Jordan and he has been training hard,” Corday told The Royal Gazette. “He looks really good so he will be in the selection process.

“People might be thinking that Jordan might be on the cusp because of what he has gone through. But there is nothing wrong with Jordan and I am pretty sure he will still be the skipper.”

DeSilva, who spent the majority of the 2021 match off the field with an undisclosed illness, will captain the President’s XI in Somerset’s final trial match on Saturday. Terryn Fray will lead the Vice-President’s XI.

The President’s XI also includes overseas professional Kamau Leverock, the Bermuda captain.

Among those seeking to break into the champions’ squad this year is Bailey’s Bay seam bowler Macquille Walker, who created a sensation this season with a seven-wicket haul against St George’s. He has been named in the Vice-President’s XI.

A surprise inclusion in the Vice-President’s XI is that of Stephen Outerbridge, the Bay president, who withdrew his services last year but is back playing regular club cricket and showed fine form in a backs-to-the-wall half-century against Somerset last weekend.

Meanwhile, Corday also played down talk that this will be Jeff Richardson’s final year as Somerset coach.

“I think that is just a suggestion,” he said. “I think it was talked about casually and it’s in guys’ minds.

“But I really don’t think that’s the case. I am not sure if he is going anywhere; it’s most definitely not official.”

Richardson himself has refused to confirm or deny the revelation made ten days ago by backroom coaching staff member Jekon Edness at a Hamilton Rotary Club luncheon.

Somerset thrashed St George’s by ten wickets at Wellington Oval last year to extend their dominance since regaining the cup in 2012.

The champions have retained the entire nucleus from last year’s squad and have a number of players who have struck form lately seeking to breakthrough.

“Preparation is going as per usual,” Corday said. “The numbers [at training] have actually been higher than they have in the past, so everything is moving forward as expected.

“Training sessions have been very high-intensity. I was watching last night and they were putting them through the ringer, so everything is going very well.

“Everyone is vying for a spot so you can’t rest on your laurels. The motivation is still there and with myself and Jeff, we will not allowing our standards to slip. We will not compromise our position on standards, so we are constantly reminding the guys.

While it is likely the champions will retain the bulk of the squad from last year, Corday did not rule out the possibility of changes.

“With us it’s always a possibility,” he said. “I know that we don’t change the team if it’s not necessary if guys are on form. But it’s always a possibility and this year is no different.

“There’s a possibility that there maybe one or two changes, but honestly it’s difficult until the night. After the final trial match we get to the room; that’s when the discussions are had, but that’s always a possibility.”

Corday said having an abundance of good players to choose from is a “good problem” to have.

He added: “It’s difficult for us because we have so many good players to look at and there’s so many things to think of and so many different aspects of picking the team and we have to consider our Cup Match form.

“We have to consider big-day players, which makes it’s so difficult for us. But that’s a good problem to have as a selection committee in my opinion.”

• Owing to an editing error, it was erroneously reported that Detroy Smith has been suspended by St George’s Cricket Club. His absence from the final trial and Cup Match remain for undisclosed reasons. We apologise for the error.