Freddie Heldreich, George Bartlett and Justin Broad have been taking advantage of the off season with the trio currently out in South Africa working on their game.

Heldreich has been picking up valuable experience net bowling with SA20 side MI Cape Town, as well as linking up with former Northamptonshire player Rory Kleinveldt to train with Western Province.

“Net bowling with MI Cape Town has allowed me to bowl to some of the best in the world currently and learn from them along with discussing ideas with other spinners.” Heldreich said.

“It’s been great working with Rory and Western Province, it’s allowed me to work on my red ball side of the game and work on adapting skills I’ve not been able to lean on in the past.” He added.

The young wrist spinner impressed again in the Vitality Blats last season, picking up 17 wickets in the competition and believes his time overseas has helped him fully prepare for the season.

“It’s always nice being able to get out onto grass in the sun when you know a lot of players back in the UK are still tackling the weather and training indoors. I feel like it’s given me an extra boost coming into pre season.”

Ahead of his first season in Northamptonshire colours, George Bartlett has also been looking to maximise his experience before he returns to the club.

“It’s been good training and doing sessions with the Gary Kirsten Academy, I’ve been working on my game with him and other coaches including Jimmy Cook who I’ve worked with when I was younger.” Bartlett said.

“Working with different coaches with a fresh set of eyes has helped improve my game and I’ve hit a good volume of balls whilst out here which was one of the main aims.

“It’s helped getting some warm weather training ready for preseason with Northamptonshire, where hopefully I can hit the ground running and be ready for the start of the season.”

Justin Broad has also been training in the same academy as Bartlett, along with returning to play for Western Province CC, the team he played for at youth level.

“Meeting new people and building new relationships is always great, but for me it’s also been great to reconnect with friends on the cricket field.” Broad said.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed some productive displays for the side, with a half century and bowling figures of 6/24 the pick from his four outings so far.

“It’s been great to work and focus on specific things in my game, it’s tough cricket here, so it teaches you how to graft for runs and build innings which is always a good challenge.

“As an overseas player over there you’re under a bit of pressure to perform for your club and I feel like that will benefit me in certain scenarios next season.”