SOMERSET captain Ian Blackwell could return to county cricket as early as August 22.

The big-hitting all-rounder is making an excellent recovery from shoulder surgery and it targeting the Championship match at home to Gloucestershire for a comeback.

It was originally feared Blackwell would miss the rest of the season after injuring his left shoulder at the end of May.

But the one-day international player has made great progress and was back in the nets this week, blasting the ball to all parts of the County Ground.

"It felt good to have the bat in my hand again because it has been very frustrating for me to have to sit on the sidelines," he said this week.

"It looks like I am ready to make my comeback.

"The plan is that I will play club cricket as a batter for Chesterfield on August 12 and then play for Somerset 2nd XI against Middlesex in their three day championship match which starts on Tuesday, August 15.

"If all goes to plan, I could well play for in the championship match against Gloucestershire.

Blackwell's speedy recovery is also being monitored by England.

"The England management have told me that because I am recovering quicker than expected I have not been discounted for the ICC Trophy in India in October," he said.