Kent players will swap the cold and damp of March mornings for the heat and sunshine of Dubai as their pre-season preparations gather pace.

Less than a month before their season-opener at Essex, and just days after the announcement of an operating loss of almost £600,000, the club have agreed to fly a 16-man party out to the Middle East to ensure their preparations for the new season are not derailed by bad weather and conditions at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury.

The squad - which includes 12 players and four support staff - fly out on Wednesday afternoon for a 10-day trip at a cricket academy run by former Australia wicketkeeper Rod Marsh.

Kent's director of cricket Paul Farbrace said: “We look forward to an intense programme of preparation in ideal conditions. Knowing with certainty we will get good weather and excellent practice facilities mean we should achieve a great deal in the time we are away.”

Jamie Clifford, the club's chief executive, said: “Whilst finances are extremely tight, it is vital that our players are well prepared for the coming season. With fantastic support from the Dubai end – particularly Rod Marsh – I have confidence that this will be a sound investment.

"We feel it's value for money, giving the players nine days of quality cricket. Looking out at Canterbury it's grey, foggy and damp.

"The players will be working on English-style wickets and we feel it is a very sensible move, making sure the players go into the season as prepared as possible."

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