ALL-ROUNDER Roelof van der Merwe, who made quite an impact back in 2011 when he played in a handful of T20 matches for Somerset, has returned to Taunton and this season will be playing in all formats, writes Richard Walsh.

Sitting at the top of a very cold Somerset Pavilion looking out across the ground the 31 year old said: “It’s great to be back in Taunton after a few years away. Things have changed quite a bit and the new pavilion has been built, but the ground is still the same.

“Last time I was here I had a good trip and played some decent cricket. The rain interfered with us a bit but at least it didn’t stop us getting through to the T20 Finals, so I am excited to be back here.”

The Dutch all rounder only played five T20 matches during the summer and then departed from Somerset, but he joined up with the team to play in the Champions League out in India where he helped the team to reach the semi finals.

“Going to the sub continent is always an experience and to be able to do it with Somerset was a great journey and we almost pulled it off, and falling out in the semi finals was a pity but it was a great time.”

Van der Merwe has a reputation for being a big hitter himself so how did he feel about the prospect of playing alongside Chris Gayle.

“We played against Chris Gayle in that run out in India when we beat Bangalore who he was playing for. When you pitch up at a ground and you have to bowl at him its quite a frightening experience so I am lucky I wont have to bowl at him this season which is all good for Somerset. Chris is an amazing striker of the ball and it will be good playing with him.”

The Dutch international is here for the whole of the 2016 season and for the first time will be playing in the county championship.

“I have thought about coming back to play championship cricket for a long time. I have heard it’s a lengthy and intense season, but I am looking forward to contributing to Somerset.

Talking about the club’s new championship skipper, Roelof said: “Chris Rogers is an unbelievable player, just how he played for Australia and the way he goes about things, he is definitely going to give the rest of the batting order a vote of confidence. It will be so easy to play behind him.”