Somerset star Murali Kartik admits he would cherish winning the "crowning glory" of the County Championship above all other titles.

The Indian left-arm spinner believes the four-day competition is the ultimate test of a team, above the Friends Provident t20 and the Clydesdale Bank 40.

Somerset face leaders Nottinghamshire, starting at Taunton today, in a game they cannot afford to lose if they are to retain hopes of lifting the Division One title.

Kartik said: "I would love to win the Championship, because there is a bit of history there and because the club has never won that.

"I feel that is the biggest test, especially at Taunton where it is hard work for the bowlers. If we win that, I think that will be the crowning glory."

No country plays as intense a cricket programme as England – Somerset have featured in all three competitions this week.

"To be competing in all formats, you have to be up and running every day of the week," said the former Lancashire and Middlesex man.

"As a team, you know you are in the mix and it feels good to be vying for all honours."

Kartik has agreed to re-sign for the 2011 campaign after joining the club in May.

"It has been very good so far," he said. "As an overseas player, my aim is always to maintain my passion from day one to the end of the season. That is the biggest challenge.

"I have agreed to come back because it is fantastic. You are playing for a side that is hungry and ambitious and you want to do well every day of the week and you get a rap on the knuckles every time somebody slips up, which is good."

Notts are 31 points ahead of Somerset on the same number of games. However, as the Test series against Pakistan begins today, the visitors will be without off-spinner Graeme Swann and paceman Stuart Broad.

The latter played against Somerset at Trent Bridge in April and claimed eight dismissals, including a ferocious second innings spell of 5-89, as Notts won by two wickets.

Somerset's 19-year-old batsman Jos Buttler is set to be retained at number three in the order, while seamer Ben Phillips is likely to play after a slight groin strain.

Former Somerset captain Justin Langer, now Australia's batting coach, has been back at Taunton this week and will today host a masterclass for youngsters today.

Somerset have been drawn against Notts in the semi-final of the Twenty20 at Hampshire's Rose Bowl on Saturday, August 14. As was the case when they beat Kent at finals day at Edgbaston last year, Somerset's game will be the second last four fixture, starting at about 2.30pm.

For live updates on today's play, log on to our blog at www.thisisbristol.co.uk/ sport.

Somerset (from): Trescothick, Suppiah, Buttler, de Bruyn, Hildreth, Kieswetter, Phillips, Kartik, Thomas, Willoughby, Waller, Compton.