Northants trio head for Sri Lanka

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Northamptonshire wicketkeeper-batsman David Murphy, right, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to sort a trip like this out."

Northamptonshire batsmen Ben Howgego, David Murphy and Stephen Peters have arranged to train in Sri Lanka with the help of team-mate Chaminda Vaas.

Howgego and Murphy will be there for three weeks and Peters for 10 days, meeting Northants’ overseas player Vaas - the former Sri Lanka all-rounder - there when they fly out on Sunday.

The English trio will train outdoors, working on their batting technique against spin among other skills. They organised and paid for the trip themselves, with Vaas helping to arrange accommodation and bowlers for the training sessions.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Murphy said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to sort a trip like this out. I was speaking to Ben and Stephen last season and wanted to go and work on my skills in a warmer climate during the winter.

“Chaminda has been brilliant in helping us with this trip, and I’m sure it will play a big part in my development and future progress.”

Northants head coach David Capel added: “I’m sure this will be a very good opportunity for them. When a trip like this is properly thought out and organised, I think it offers the players a boost.

“For them to train and work on their techniques, especially against spin, by going on a short trip like this is great and I would advocate this kind of trip to others. They go with our full support.”

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