Steve Kirby’s winter training received a boost with the news that he will be jetting off to warmer climes.

 


    He has been selected by the MCC for their tour to Argentina in February and for the opening fixture against the champion county in Abu Dhabi.

 


The 35-year-old paceman, who has taken 131 wickets in all forms of cricket for Somerset since joining from near neighbours Gloucestershire before the start of the 2011 season, has been back training hard in the gym and the indoor school since Christmas.

 


Kirby said: “I have done quite a few tours with the MCC in the past so when I was approached to go on the tour to Argentina I was delighted to accept and I am really looking forward to it.
 

 

“I think the way that the MCC go about promoting cricket around the world in all countries is fantastic and for me it’s great preparation for me because I’m able to get outside on the grass, hopefully in the sunshine, and play some cricket which will hold me is good stead going into pre-season.

 


“I then go out with the MCC to play against the champion county before the First Class season kicks off back here.

 


“We have several pre-season games here at the County Ground so I am gearing up for what will hopefully be a good season.”

 


Kirby gave a bit more detail about his trip to South America – which is a first for him – and the game against Warwickshire in Abu Dhabi.

 


“We go out to Buenos Aires on February 20 and during the time we are out in Argentina we play six one-day games before returning on March 3.

 


“I have worked really hard this winter on my fitness up to now and I look forward to getting outside and bowling off my full run up.

 


“Darren Maddy, who I was at Leicester with, and a couple of other professionals on the circuit are going so I am really looking forward to it.

 


“There should be some good cricket in a great climate and a chance to meet some interesting people.”

 

Kirby added: “The MCC squad for the four day match against Warwickshire is going out to Abu Dhabi on March 21 ahead of the game on the 24th so there will be a couple of training days before we go into the match.

 


“There is also a Twenty20 tournament out there so it should be an interesting few days before I come back to Taunton ready for the start of our 2013 campaign.”