Northants book Barbados trip

Want to know what's happening at your county? Interested in how your rivals are faring? Look no further than ecb.co.uk's county-by-county page

Northamptonshire have announced that their first-team squad will take part in a pre-season tour of Barbados during March.

The party will fly to the Caribbean on March 11 and return on March 23 after an intense period of preparation for the new campaign in warm weather.

The trip, which has been supported by the Barbados Tourism Board, will see Northants take on other counties and the Barbados national team in a couple of two-day games, a 40-over match and a Twenty20 tournament.

While the club has provided funding, the players have also made a contribution themselves to add to kind donations from the Northants Supporters Club.

Northamptonshire will play other counties and Barbados in a couple of two-day games, a 40-over match and a Twenty20 tournament

Northants head coach David Ripley said: "Once again there will be an early start to the season, which means it is crucially important that the lads can get as much cricket as possible before.

“With uncertain weather conditions in March, sometimes outdoor practice can be limited if staying in England. We all saw how the team hit the ground running following the last pre-season tour to South Africa in 2011."

"I also think it is forward-thinking of the club to allow us this opportunity, which will stand us in good stead leading into the 2013 season."

Click here for all the latest news from the domestic cricket scene, including exclusive interviews, team news, match reports and photo galleries