Northants in Grenada

Northamptonshire announced today they will be holding a two-week pre-season tour to the Caribbean island of Grenada next month.

They will become the first English county to tour the island when the trip begins on March 16.

The tour will be aimed at maximising the pre-season period ahead of a tough start to the new campaign which kicks off with a one-day game against Worcestershire on April 15, the first of five Benson & Hedges zonal matches.

Director of cricket Bob Carter said: "We have got one of the toughest starts ever, and the players need to be fully prepared. We cannot guarantee outdoor nets before the start of the season due to the weather, but this tour will give us much needed practise out in the middle."

A party of 16 players and coaching staff will make the trip, and the squad will be announced after the players report back for pre-season training on March 1.

Northants will play five one-day games and one two-day game, and will be playing at the brand new 15,000-seater Grenada National Stadium.

One of the matches organised will include a one-day fixture against a West Indies Masters XI, which could include former Test stars Joel Garner and Desmond Haynes.

During the tour Northants will use new purposely-built practise facilities at the St George's University.

Carter added: I'm looking forward to the tour which should be an ideal preparation for the new season. We can anticipate practising in the very best conditions, and playing against top class opposition in what should be some very tough games, which is just what we want.

"I visited Grenada last year and was very impressed by the facilities that are being developed and by the wonderful reception that was offered by the Grenadan officials. They are looking to stimulate more interest in cricket in Grenada by attracting international and first-class cricket to the island on an annual basis."

Northants will play two one-day games against Grenada, two one-day matches against the Windward Island, a two-day game against Grenada, and the West Indies Masters XI clash.

Walter St John, president of the Grenadan Cricket Board, said: "We have never had a county team in Grenada but we think that the facilities we can now offer will be of great benefit to Northants. Northants will be made very welcome and the visit will certainly help to promote cricket on the island."