SOMERSET made it a fantastic five wins on the bounce when they beat Hampshire on Tuesday evening to keep alive their hopes of pulling off a remarkable treble, writes Richard Walsh.

After losing their opening four CB40 matches the Cidermen have hit a rich vein of form, as the group leaders found to their cost at the Aegeas Bowl.

Pete Trego smashed 61 off just 31 balls and Jos Buttler hit 51 as Somerset reach 228-8.

Hampshire were bowled out for 178 in 36 overs, Steve Kirby taking 3-19, Trego 2-31 and Hussain 2-29.

Skipper Marcus Trescothick said: “It was a great game to win because Hampshire are top of our group and we know how good a side they are and we are playing them again next weekend in the T20 Final.

“They have been strong in one day cricket this year so we knew we had to be on top form last night and we were really good.

“We had a little bit of inexperience in the side but they all made crucial contributions. The side is gelling together and we are playing well at the moment.

“Everyone chipped in well, especially the boys who haven’t been regulars in the one day team. Jack Leach bowled a great spell and did a good job for us.

Trecothick added: “We are right back into the CB40 now and on Sunday we have got a big game up in Scotland, then after that we are in championship action on Tuesday against Sussex so we have got a very big two weeks ahead of us.”

Meanwhile Abdur Rehman has been called up by Pakistan to play in three One Day Internionals against Australia that take place in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi between August 28 and September 3.

Originally Pakistan were going to play six T20 games against Australia which would not have involved Rehman, but the teams are now playing three ODI and three T20 matches and he has selected to play in the ODIs.

Rehman will play for Somerset in the Championship game against Sussex on August 21 and return in time to play in the last two four day games.

George Dockrell, who is currently on Ireland Under- 19 World Cup duty, will return to Somerset in time to play in the Surrey game, starting on August 28.