Running Foxes to continue preparation in Desert Springs

Leicestershire County Cricket Club will take their pre-season preparations to warmer climes with a trip to Desert Springs.

Based in Almeria, Spain, Desert Springs is home to an ICC ODI accredited match ground with 18 grass wickets, an Academy Training Ground with artificial wicket and 24 grass nets, all constructed and cared for to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) standards.

The resort frequently hosts international calibre squads for their respective preparations with recent visits of the Netherlands National Women’s Cricket Team, followed by visits from the Germany and Spain National Men’s Cricket teams.

The Running Foxes are set to fly out to Spain on Sunday, March 13, 2021 for six days as the intensity is ramped up ahead of the campaign.

An increase in workload, concentration and fitness will be tested in the challenging temperatures of Andalucia, and the difference in climate will give the squad the chance to practice outdoors.

Director of Cricket Claude Henderson said: “The chance to have a large majority of the Running Foxes’ squad fly out to Spain for some warm weather training was an opportunity we could not turn down.

“The difference in training in high-teen heat on prepared outdoor pitches as opposed to the possibly wet conditions here in England will stand us in good stead heading into the season.

“There will be lots of hard work to get through, and the players will be tested both mentally and physically throughout. We will benefit greatly from the experience heading into the first fixture of the season.”

Nick Gaywood, Desert Springs Cricket Manager also commented. He said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Leicestershire County Cricket Club to Desert Springs.

“We have had previous visits from Middlesex, Lancashire, Glamorgan, Sussex, Somerset and Derbyshire and it is great to add another first class county to our growing portfolio!

“Paul Nixon is well versed with Desert Springs and we know he will ensure the squad take full advantage of both net and match ground facilities as well as the ECB designed gym. The timing of the trip is perfect to kick start the UK 2022 season.”

The trip also offers the chance for further team-building activities to build on the pre-Christmas activities that can be viewed HERE and HERE.