Worcestershire’s players report back for pre-season training today (Monday) after the festive break and skipper Joe Leach said: “the countdown to the season starts now.”
All-rounder Leach and the squad will put the focus on technical work when they convene at their regular winter base at Malvern College.
Amongst those going through their paces is new signing Steve Magoffin who has rejoined the County for a second spell from Sussex.
Leach, who returned from his honeymoon on Friday, said: “Cricket starts today. It’s the start of the technical stuff at Malvern College.
“It’s the countdown to the season really.
“The last two months have been about the fitness and strengthening work with Ross Dewar (strengthening and conditioning coach).
“But, for a lot of the players, today will be the first time they have picked up a bat or ball since the end of last season.
“We all can’t wait to get going and the season will soon come around and there is a real buzz with the team back in Division One of the Championship.
“We are all determined to do ourselves justice in the top division and there is a lot of ability in the squad.”
Magoffin first played for Worcestershire in 2008 and Leach said: “He is a proven performer and has played most of his career with Sussex in Division One.
“He will add further quality to our attack.”
