Sussex's cricketers got a taste of the Army life when they began pre-season preparations yesterday.

A squad of 25, including coaches Peter Moores and Keith Greenfield, spent the day at Baker Barracks on the Sussex-Hampshire border under the watchful eye of staff from the Prince of Wales Royal Regiment.

After 45 minutes warm-up exercises, they spent the rest of the morning doing tasks which tested teamwork and mental as well as physical agility. Among the activities were mountain biking, rafting before tackling the assault course.

Coach Peter Moores said: "I can't really say yet whether we are the fittest team in county cricket, but we're getting there and a day like yesterday helps. I suppose you could call it a team bonding exercise.

"The lads haven't been together for six months so we're trying to speed the process up, it got them working as a team again. It's something different, the lads have enjoyed it and it has been a big success."

Sussex will spend three days this week at Christ's Hospital School near Horsham before serious net practice at Hove next week.

Tonight the players will be attending the club's AGM at the County Ground (6.30pm).

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