LONDON, Aug 9: Australia captain Ricky Ponting says he would like to play more county cricket with Somerset in the future. Ponting's five-week stay ends next week and has seen two centuries and the first English county Championship win of the year.

"I am really enjoying playing cricket down here at Taunton and it's just a shame that the last couple of results haven't gone our way," he said. "I would love to come back here and play at the start of next season if it's at all possible."

Australia are likely to begin their Ashes tour of England in June, and national cricket board has the final say over how much their contractees play. But Ponting, 29, said he would like a "long-term relationship" with the club. "Even if I can't get back next season, beyond that I'd like to return to Taunton." -Agencies