Smith set to skipper Somerset

South Africa captain Graeme Smith is set to join Somerset

Graeme Smith will captain Somerset next summer subject to clearance from the United Cricket Board of South Africa.

South African Smith, his country's youngest ever Test captain, is to link up with compatriot Albie Morkel at Taunton, having recommended the 23-year-old all-rounder as second overseas player.

Smith made a big impression in England in 2003 when he smashed two double centuries at the start of the 2-2 drawn npower Test series with England and faces Michael Vaughan's men again next month.

The left-handed opener was pinpointed by Somerset after they failed in a bid to sign New Zealand's Stephen Fleming, who has joined Nottinghamshire.

Although yet to be given formal permission to take up the role by his UCB bosses, Smith, also 23, will be available for almost the entire season.

South Africa's itinerary in West Indies finishes on May 15 and there is then a five-month gap to their next fixtures.

Morkel, a hard-hitting left-hander who bowls right-arm fast-medium, broke into the South Africa one-day team earlier this year and his availability in the opening weeks of the 2005 summer will depend on whether he merits selection for the Caribbean tour.

Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson said: "The cricket panel feel that the Somerset team to be successful needs a no-nonsense leader and a world-class opening batsman. In Graeme Smith they have both.

"Albie Morkel is recognised as a rising star in South African cricket and his development within English county cricket will be good for the club as well as South Africa."

Somerset are also awaiting confirmation of both Ricky Ponting's and Marcus Trescothick's availability to play for the county in April and early May.