We spoke with Will Rhodes after the skipper opened the batting during the intra-squad pairs session on Thursday.

The squad have been enjoying valuable time in the middle ahead of the first friendly against Nottinghamshire on Friday 24 July.

“It’s been a long time coming and the lads are raring to go,” said Rhodes.

“We’ve had two weeks back and to get out in the main ground in a game environment is brilliant. The next two days are pretty big for our preparation.”