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Worcestershire County Cricket Club players and staff Moeen Ali, Vikram Solanki, Chris Whelan, Gareth Andrew, Richard Jones, Kabir Ali, Ben Langley, Omar Ali and Stephen Moore on their fun team-bonding day. Picture by Jon Fuller-Rowell. 12342401

CRICKET stars had a day of fast-paced fun and excitement as they stepped up their preparations for the start of the new season.

About 20 Worcestershire County Cricket Club players and three members of staff went paintballing, raced go-karts, shot rifles, and tackled an assault course as they braved the wet woodland to bond and boost team spirit.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes said the fun day was a good way of getting all of the players together again.

"It's just a bit of fun really," he said. "It's a chance to get the players rubbing shoulders with each other again, mixing the experienced ones with the younger ones and the new players and sharing a bit of fun together.

"I wouldn't say it's the be-all-and-end-all to do something like this but it builds up pre-season and we don't get a lot of opportunity to do much other than cricket once the season starts."

Mr Rhodes said all of the players had enjoyed their time at the March Hare Leisure Centre, Mill Lane, Broughton Hackett, near Worcester, yesterday, but admitted organising a day full of physical activity increased the risk of a player picking up an injury.

"We do sort of tread on egg shells with injuries but you can't wrap the players up in cotton wool," he said.

Mr Rhodes said the club began full pre-season training on Monday. He said the club, who are the Pro 40 Champions, are raring to go for the start of the new season.

"We're shaping up pretty well," he said. "I'm happy with the blend of youth and experience. We have got quality with both the bat and the ball and we're hoping to build on last year."

Mr Rhodes said all he is hoping for now is that the weather will stay dry so the club can prepare the ground at New Road and play the first home match against Leicestershire in the LV County Championship on Wednesday, April 23.

8:17am Friday 21st March 2008

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