Somerset coach to open new academy

Somerset coach Andy Hurry and a host of first-team players will open the new cricket facilities at Merchants' Academy in Withywood on Thursday.

The Society of Merchant Venturers is a group of Bristol business people who have funded the £29 million redevelopment of the school.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke – formerly chairman of Somerset – is a member of the society and the county club have given support to the academy, which falls within the traditional Somerset boundary, south of the River Avon.

Somerset chief executive Richard Gould said: "Somerset are proud to offer full support to the Merchant Venturers for having the foresight to set up the academy."