As they head off to Antigua for a ten day training camp, Kent Head Coach Jimmy Adams is hoping to build bonds within his squad.

Adams leads a sixteen man playing party along with Phil Relf, Nimmo Reid and Pete Kelly for the trip as they hope to get the squad in the best possible condition for the forthcoming season.

As for his objectives whilst the squad are away, Adams is clear on what he hoped to get from the trip to the West Indies:

“It’s an opportunity to tackle quite a few things. First and foremost, given the weather we’ve had in the UK, it will be the first chance for the majority of the squad to get some outdoor practice which is vital.”

“A lot of them have been pounding away indoors for the last four months, so it will be good to get them outside.”

“In terms of team building, it will be good for the lads to travel away from home together and learn about one another. We’ll also give them a clear understanding as to what we are hoping to get from them as a group for the months ahead.”

With new faces in Charlie Shreck, Mike Powell and Ben Harmison making the trip, Adams is hoping the time away with the squad will integrate them to the Kent way of doing things:

“Being away with the squad will hopefully get them bonded quicker than if we weren’t to go away. Nine or ten days away is a good stint away and we’ll learn a lot about ourselves.”

Facilities are not going to be a problem for Adams and co. whilst they’re away with full use of the Antigua cricket ground at their disposal and the Kent Head Coach was pleased that the local government had done all they could to make the trip happen:

“A lot has come through the government of Antigua and they’ve been very helpful in getting the arrangements together. I’ve spoken to quite a few people over there including the groundsman and they’re looking forward to hosting us.”

“So much so, that they rescheduled a first class fixture away from the ground to accomodate us.”

“We won’t get chance to play any local teams, but we’ve been promised a host of local bowlers to help us whilst we’re there and if we get the numbers up to twenty two, we’ll have a game between us.”

Both Geraint Jones and James Tredwell will miss the trip due to international commitments, but Adams is split as to whether it if a good or a bad thing:

“In one sense it is a bit of a loss, as they are two very influential players, but the reasons for them not being there can be ones to motivate the group. Both Geraint and James will be representing the countries of their birth, so it is encouraging for other players to see them playing international cricket.”

Kent will be joined on the trip by a bowler from another county with a view to making a signing in the near future, whilst it is expected an experienced batsman and overseas player will be announced as having been recruited soon.

Picture by Sarah Ansell. To see more of Sarah’s pictures visit www.sarahcanterbury.com