The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, London

Former Australia batsman Justin Langer will this week attempt to do something that was beyond the likes of Somerset stars Greg Chappell, Ian Botham and Vivian Richards by leading the west country side to their first English County Championship title.

In the 126 years since they played their maiden first-class match, Somerset's best finish in English county cricket's premier competition was the second place they managed in 2001.

But they head into the final round of four-day matches starting Wednesday just eight points behind First Division leaders Nottinghamshire.

Victory over visitors Lancashire at their Taunton home ground could give Somerset the title if results elsewhere go their way.

However, even more than many batsman-friendly county pitches, Taunton has a reputation as a bowlers' graveyard.

And with the difference between victory and a draw 10 points, Somerset captain Langer fears a placid pitch could deny his team the prize they crave.

"Pitches are one of the big problems of county cricket in my opinion," Langer told the Bristol Evening Post. "We have talked about the rain but in my view we are playing on too many flat wickets.

"It is OK to have it spicy on day one but they should spin big or do something," the Western Australia left-hander added.

"For me it is an issue with county cricket not getting enough results," said the opener, a veteran of 105 Tests. "It is tough cricket but it is hard to get 40 wickets on such flat wickets."

Should Somerset take the title by beating Lancashire they will have set a record for the lowest percentage of victories by a champion county having won four out of 16 matches in a rain-marred season.

However, the Championship's controversial bonus points, where teams can earn a maximum of five additional batting points for scoring 400 runs or more in the first 130 overs of a match or three for taking nine or 10 wickets in the same period, has come to Somerset's aid.

Nottinghamshire play Hampshire in what could be a winner-take-all clash at Trent Bridge.

Three years ago the Midlands county won the last of their

five Championship titles, just pipping a Hampshire side captained by Australia great Shane Warne.

Hampshire, in their first season since the legendary leg-spinner quit the south coast club, appeared destined for relegation barely a month ago.

However, they have won three of their last four games to spark thoughts of a first title since 1973.