Stephen Peters believes Northamptonshire’s pre-season trip to the Caribbean is a “must” if their preparation is to go to plan.
The County will spend time in Barbados in March ahead of the domestic campaign which gets under way on April 10 when they visit Glamorgan in the County Championship.
A mixture of white and red-ball cricket is planned for the tour which has been partially funded by the players.
Last year’s scheduled trip to South Africa was cancelled due to a lack of funds but the thought is that an overseas jaunt is a must with the season starting as early as it does, something that Peters acknowledges.
He said: “The tour will definitely help with our preparation.
“I expect us to go there and play well and get the cricket that we need.
“Two years ago (in South Africa) we went there and didn’t win a game but we came back and went unbeaten for a long time so it shows that it does you some good.
“Just playing outside can make a lot of difference and I’m glad the club have realised how important it is for us to get some cricket in good conditions.
“Also, with the lads contributing a bit it shows how keen we are to hit the ground running in April.”
As captain, Peters is well aware of the value such a trip will have on the team dynamic but he has been involved in the professional game for long enough to appreciate the personal worth of time in the middle.
He added: “If I can get four or five knocks in the middle in Barbados and have an hour each time then it will do me the world of good.
“Time batting on decent grass pitches is worth 15 indoor net sessions and from that perspective I’ll be glad to get out there.”
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