Read joins Notts for tour

Chris Read was in fine form before he had to return from the England A tour of West Indies © Getty Images

Chris Read has rejoined the Nottinghamshire squad for their their pre-season tour of South Africa after leaving the England A tour of West Indies when his family suffered a serious burglary.

It was always Read's intention to fly out with his team-mates for the seven warm-up games in Cape Town and Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire's director of cricket is delighted to have him back. "Chris was enjoying a terrific tour with England A and it was a double blow for him to be forced home in such a manner.

"But he was keen to meet up with the rest of the squad and we're glad to see him again. There's been a real enthusiasm from the players in the last couple of weeks but now I think they're all desperate to get some match practice under their belt."

The squad will be based at Bellville Cricket Club, where the allrounder Paul Franks has been playing since Christmas, and will play seven one-day matches, including a fixture with Somerset, who are also touring the area.

Newell added that all players reported fit for the flight and said: "The conditions at Bellville are excellent and give us the ideal opportunity to get some outdoor practice in. All the matches will be competitive and good preparation before the season begins."

Nottinghamshire return on April 6 for two final warm-up games against Leicestershire before heading to Lord's for the season curtain-raiser against MCC, which starts on April 14.