Angus Fraser

Middlesex are back in training already ahead of the 2012 County Championship

Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser is delighted to see his charges already in training ahead of the 2012 season.

Three players have left St John’s Wood in the off-season – Jamie Dalrymple, Dan Housego and Ben Scott. However, Ollie Rayner (Sussex) and Joe Denly (Kent) have joined.

“When I took over in 2010/2011 I gave the team a ‘three-line whip’ to get back to training well before Christmas, but this year they’ve led the situation themselves, to be honest,” he said.

“The 13 or so lads still in this country reported back in the first week in November and have already been working in the indoor school for over a fortnight.

“Most counties operate this way these days and for several good reasons. First and foremost, we do it so that the players retain a good level of fitness all winter.

“Then, when you crank up the work from January onwards, they can concentrate on honing their skills rather than simply getting themselves back into condition.

“It’s also good because the lads get to work with each other throughout the winter, which I feel helps create a better spirit among the squad.”