Lancashire, fresh from pre-season training which included cross-country running up Rivington Pike, will continue in the winter sun with a 12-day pre season training camp in Cape Town, from March 19.

The squad will play a minimum of five matches; four against South African opposition and either two limited over fixtures or one 2-day match against Durham.

The players have already had a head start on their rivals, returning for pre season training on February 5 - one month before any other club.

Manager Mike Watkinson and his staff designed a special programme, which has included batting and fielding sessions at Old Trafford, intensive fitness workouts at David Lloyd Leisure, cross country training at Rivington - plus one-on-one player analysis and coaching.

The squad (in alphabetical order)> is: Michael Baer Karl Brown, Glen Chapple, Mark Chilton - Captain, Steven Croft, Gareth Cross, Dominic Cork, Kyle Hogg, Paul Horton, Gary Keedy, Stuart Law - Vice Captain, Mal Loye, Simon Marshall, Steven Mullaney, Oliver Newby, Iain Sutcliffe, Luke Sutton.

Scheduled games:

Friday, March 23: Lancashire v Boland XI at Boland Park, Paarl (10am start).

Sunday, March 25: Lancashire v Claremont X1 at Bellville Cricket Club (10am start).

Tues 27 and Wed 28 Lancashire A v Durham A at Bellville Cricket Club on the Main Field (10am start). Lancashire B v Durham B at Bellville Cricket Club on the Back Field (10am start).

Thursday, March 29: Lancashire v Western Province Academy at Green Point Cricket Club (10am start).

Friday, March 30: Lancashire v Western Province at Western Province Cricket Club, Rondebosch (10am start).