2010 preparation well underway

Leicestershire’s players have a busy winter planned, with people jetting off here, there and everywhere to get ready for the 2010 season!

Players have been back at Grace Road since early November getting back into their routines in terms of gym work and nets and overseas trips will also form an important part of their development and preparation.

Two of our lads are busy with England commitments. James Taylor was at Loughborough preparing for the England Performance Programme and is now in Pretoria on the Programme. Before that, James had a trip to India as he was on the Rajasthan Royals’ Talent ID programme.

Nathan Buck has been in Bangladesh with the England under 19s and will be going to New Zealand for the World Cup in early January. Everyone at the club wishes Nathan all the best.

Meanwhile, you may have heard new Club Captain Matthew Hoggard on the air on BBC’s TME in South Africa. Hoggard will be providing his thoughts and insight throughout England’s tour and he will return in the New Year ready for the challenge of leading the team.

Greg Smith is having a trip to Mumbai later this month, while Academy player Liam Kinch has been in Adelaide in Australia for a little while now. Josh Cobb will also be going to Adelaide in the New Year.

A number of players will be going to Potchefstroom in early February. These include Harry Gurney, Matthew Boyce, Alex Wyatt, Sam Cliff, Jacques du Toit and Joel Pope.

We will keep you up to date with how progress is coming along, including interviews with the players throughout the winter so please remember to check back and see how the lads are getting on.

We will also speak to Senior Coach Tim Boon and Strength and Conditioning Coach Pete McKnight about preparation. The first interview will be with Academy player Liam Kinch and his trip to Adelaide. Check back soon for more details!

The Leicestershire Young Cricketers Education Trust have provided funding for a number of these trips, and we thank everyone associated with LYCET for making it possible.