WORCESTERSHIRE’S senior players will work closely with the new 2016-2017 academy intake when the squad reports back for their winter programme in November.

The County have put the accent on the experienced and newcomers all being part of some of the same sessions at Malvern College during the close season in recent years.

Assistant coach-bowling coach Matt Mason has again put together the programme which will shape the next five months.

He said: "The senior players will be trying to improve their game and the youngsters will be trying to learn as much as they can.

"We will probably do the same things we've done in the past that is combine some of the academy and pro sessions.

"I think it is great to have the two squads closely linked.

"It is great for the youngsters in their development and also great for the pros to learn to share their experiences."

Explaining the winter programme, Mason said: "There will be a huge emphasis on fitness and strength and conditioning. The lads are very, very fit, particularly the fast bowling group.

"We've got a lot of young seamers around this year, because a lot of the senior professionals are away playing for the winter.

"Ross Dewar (strengthening and conditioning coach) will have a massive part to play in their work, particularly before Christmas.

"Then after Christmas we tend to get into the skill-based stuff. The winter is generally a really good programme."