New Worcestershire skipper Joe Leach flies out to Australia today (Monday) to begin a second spell of cricket with North Canberra Gungahlin.
The 26-year-old had a successful winter with the Northies two years ago and helped them to T20 glory – their first trophy for a decade.
Now he is returning for two six week spells either side of Christmas before starting preparations in earnest for the new domestic campaign at New Road.
Leach will make his second 'debut' in Saturday's home ACT Premier Cricket One-Day Gallop Cup clash with Weston Creek Molonglo.
He said: "Will I get any benefits from the winter? I wouldn't be going if I didn't. I came back from North Canberra a completely different player last time.
"There are a few things I want to work on. I'm going to be mindful of the strain on my body especially with this added responsibility (as captain). The worse thing I can do is break down after two games.
"I'm mindful of the workload thing but to be honest it is not something I'm overly concerned about, just playing on a Saturday and training as and when I needed to would be no different to what I'd be doing this winter with Ross Dewar."
Leach added: "Will it be nice to go to a different environment? With what has happened over the last weeks (being made captain), I think it will be good for me to get out of the environment and have a think, to put together some ideas.
"I can really get my head around what I'm coming back to next season rather than just 'head down', running as fast as I can and then, all of a sudden, it's April and I haven't really had time to take it in.
"Coming out of the environment will give me a chance to do that."
Fellow County player Charlie Morris's team, Tuggeranong Valley, play in the same competition, and the two sides are scheduled to meet on November 20.
