SOMERSET director of cricket Brian Rose has spoken of his surprise at Pete Trego's omission from the England Lions squad to tour India this winter.

The Weston-super-Mare-born player was one of the club's outstanding performers in the season just finished, scoring 849 runs at an average of 43 and taking 28 wickets at an average of 24 runs apiece despite a spell out injured.

More compelling than that was the fact that Trego scored his runs at a rate of 73 per every 100 balls faced and took a wicket every 42 deliveries.

But the selectors chose to go for more specialised players for the trip to the sub-continent in December. Surprisingly for spin-orientated conditions they have named six out and out seam bowlers.

Rose said: "I am surprised that Trego hasn't been nominated in some form. Not being included is a big surprise because his performances this year, particularly in the first-class game, merit him being selected.

"When you look at the figures he has produced - to average forty-plus from batting at seven or eight and to get wickets at 24s - they are certainly worth serious consideration."

Trego had set his goal on earning recognition this winter and Rose is confident he will not give up hope at the age of 27.

"I don't think he will lose hope," said the former captain. "We will have to work with him and keep prodding him and keep him improving. His graph is always going up and there is still improvement to come in his game.

"When you look at some Australian players who have come into Test cricket they have done so at the ages of 30 or 31 so there is plenty of time left for him. We'll keep pushing him in the right direction."

Promising fast bowler Mark Turner is to spend part of the winter with Justin Langer, playing for the Somerset captain's club side, Scarborough, in Perth, Western Australia.

Wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter and coach Andy Hurry are also likely to head down under this winter.

"Mark Turner has got a bright future, like a number of our young blokes have," said Langer. "They will love him there.

"Whatever way we can help these young guys develop into stronger players will be important.

"Hopefully Sarge (Hurry) will come out to Perth to get some coaching experience with the Australian team and the West Australian Team. It is such a nice environment."