The Northamptonshire County Cricket Club squad fly to Barbados on Thursday morning for their pre-season tour. This will be the fourth time that the squad have spent time in the Caribbean experiencing much needed outdoor and match practice in favourable conditions prior to the start of the Specsavers County Championship next month.
Travelling with the squad for the first time is Tom Sole, Senior Academy Player who has settled in well. He takes the place of Rob Newton who is recovering from a groin injury. Adam Rossington and Graeme White have returned from their winter seasons in Australia whilst Rory Kleinveldt and Richard Levi will re-group with the squad at the start of April.
Training in Barbados will take place throughout the tour with the first competition starting on Saturday; a T20 knockout against Barbados with the final matches taking place on Sunday at the Kensington Oval. The squad will face Barbados again on Wednesday 16th March for a one day game. Finally, there will be a two day game against Nottinghamshire starting on Friday 18th March before flights home on Sunday the 20th.
As part of his ongoing rehabilitation, Monty Panesar will also be present in Barbados. Presently the rehab of his shoulder will prevent him from bowling in matches. The tour will offer him the chance to maintain his rehab with Barry Goudriaan as well as share his experiences of top-level cricket with younger members of the playing squad at key times during the trip.