Yorkshire arrange Sri Lanka trip

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Skipper Andrew Gale is one of seven Yorkshire players heading to Sri Lanka for a brief training camp ahead of the new domestic season.

Gale, together with new signing Jack Brooks and youngsters Alex Lees, Jack Leaning, Eddie Wilson, Barney Gibson and Karl Carver, will spend eight days in Colombo under the guidance of second team coach Paul Farbrace and development manager Richard Damms.

The Yorkshire contingent will train at the P. Sara Oval, where England recorded a Test victory over Sri Lanka last April.

"The indoor facilities at Headingley are excellent, but nothing beats playing and practising outdoors," said Yorkshire skipper Andrew Gale

Farbrace, who organised the trip, said: “The idea of the training camp is to continue to develop the skills of our varied squad in new surroundings.

“Our batsmen will be able to take their winter indoor sessions to batting on grass wickets in excellent conditions. This was one of the reasons why Andrew Gale wanted to attend the camp.

“For the bowlers, in particular Jack Brooks who didn't play much cricket during the second half of last season, they will be able to get in the nets and have long sessions getting back to some proper bowling fitness.

“We want Jack to hit the new season fully prepared and become one of our main strike bowlers as we aim for success on all fronts.”

Gale added: “This is the first time I've played cricket in Sri Lanka and I'm looking forward to learning my trade and experiencing a new culture.

“From my point of view, I want to get into the nets in outdoor conditions and start hitting some balls. The indoor facilities at Headingley are excellent, but nothing beats playing and practising outdoors.”

Yorkshire, who have already confirmed a trip to Barbados in March, will fly out on February 18 and return on February 28.

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