NEXT week Somerset cricketers jet off to Abu Dhabi to continue their pre-season training in warmer weather.

The squad recently returned from Sri Lanka and will now head to the Middle East to join Essex, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire for the outdoor pre-season programme.

Somerset captain, Lewis Gregory has said he feels the trip will be important for the squad and will be very beneficial.

He said: “It’s a chance to get guys back outside on grass.

“A few of the boys went to Sri Lanka a few weeks back and others have been playing some franchise cricket, so this is a great opportunity to get everyone together on grass and get ourselves ready to start firing at the start of April.

“I’ve spent some time out in Dubai playing in the ILT20 and it was good to be able to get away and play some cricket outside. Now I’m very much looking forward to getting cracking with the lads.”

He went on to say pre-season is an exciting time of the cricket calendar and a chance for players to work on certain skills ahead of the campaign.

"It’s an exciting time of year for every county cricketer, everyone is back after being away and there’s a really good buzz around the place. We’re all looking forward to getting cracking.”

“Winning the Vitality Blast last year was fantastic, and the team did really well as we have been for a number of years.

"We’ve got the players to be able to challenge in red-ball cricket. If we can get the right mind set and get the guys in the right place, then we will hopefully see some great cricket and some wins.”