AFTER returning to training following a successful back operation, Somerset bowler Craig Overton is now looking ahead to the 2024 season.

Overton will play a pivotal role in Somerset's success, of course, but he now has added responsibility after being named club vice captain.

Speaking this week, Overton said he is ready for the season to start and looks forward to bowling for the county once again.

"It's been nice to actually start running and doing a little bit of bowling with walking drills and even batting this week," he said.

"It is starting to ramp up a little bit and build up the miles in the legs with running and then I can increase to intensity bowling and should be ready to go come April if everything goes to plan."

He also said he is honoured to be named vice captain and excited to be helping Lewis Gregory with captaincy tasks.

"It's massive for me, I have played for this club since I was 18-years-old so to have that sort of honour and try and help Lewis as much as I can is a big honour for me," he added.

"Hopefully it is something we can work together on a bring that Championship back (to Somerset)."

Speaking on how the captaincy may affect his game, Overton hopes to maintain the same style of play in 2024.

"I will try and keep it as normal as possible, there is a few things you might have to do differently, sort of off the field stuff," he said.

"I will try and just help Lewis as much as possible as he will have his own mindset of what he wants to do and how he wants to go about it, but I will give him some of my ideas as well."

He finished by saying Somerset fans can expect an exciting season ahead based on initial discussions on how the side wants to play.

"The way we want to play, it sounds like it is going to be a good, entertaining Summer and hopefully we can all buy into that and have a good start and we will go from there."