Somerset sign three youngsters for 2005

Arul Suppiah and Michael Parsons, two young prospects, have signed for Somerset for the 2005 season after accepting offers made to them in September.

Suppiah, 21, made his first-class debut for the county in 2002, but has so far played only three Championship matches in three years. He is the only known Malaysian to have played any county cricket. Paceman Michael Parsons, 19, has yet to make his first-team debut. The allrounder Wes Durston, 24, will also play for the county again next season.

England Under-19 batsman Jamie Hildreth, 20, is still negotiating a three-year contract. He scored 760 runs in the 2004 Championship at 38.45, with a highest score of 108.

Somerset are also in discussions with the 24-year-old batsman Matthew Wood and the offspinner Gareth Andrew, 20, over two-year deals.