SOMERSET'S Craig Kieswetter flew out to Australia earlier this week match fit and all set for his first taste of playing in the Big Bash T20 League.

The 25-year-old will be playing for Brisbane Heat who include Aussie stars like Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Shane Watson in their squad as well as New Zealander Daniel Vettori so he will be mixing in rarefied company.

Kieswetter has spent an intense month with Somerset preparing for his Australian experience.

He said: “My four weeks training camp has been pretty tough and I have been preparing myself both physically and mentally as well as working on my technical skills.

“Now I am right up to match fitness and all set to go out to play for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash.

“I have had great support and help from everyone at the County Ground and they couldn’t have done more. They tailor made a programme to suit the time schedule we had at our disposal and it has worked really well.

“It has been really good and exactly what I have needed to prepare myself for going away.

“I have got just over a week after I land in Australia to get acclimatised, and to meet and train with the players before I play in my first game for the Heat," where Kieswetter faces a baptism of fire against Somerset team mate Alfonso Thomas.

“I then go straight into it against Perth Scorchers and Alfonso at the Gabba which I’m sure will create a lot of interest back here in Somerset.

“It is exciting for me to be out there and to play against Thommo first up is a good thing because he is a familiar face. Of course we will be playing to win on the pitch but we will have a catch up before and something to eat afterwards.”

“I think it is fantastic for Somerset to have players going away to play in different conditions around the world. It is good for the players, who can then bring back knowledge which can be shared with the other guys in the squad.

“To be able to play alongside and pit myself against some of the biggest names in world cricket is fantastic challenge for me and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Somerset membership for the 2014 campaign is selling well and would make an ideal Christmas present. Full details of discounted prices can be obtained at www.somersetcountycc.co.uk