SOMERSET County Cricket Club Under 15 girls and boys squads have flown out to Sri Lanka for the cricketing journey of their young lives.

Thirty young cricketers, among who there is likely to be several who will go on and be the Somerset stars of tomorrow, will be spending 13 days in the country and playing five matches, during which they will have to come to terms with a very different environment, dry wickets and face a lot of spin bowling.

In addition to playing cricket the Somerset touring party will also have an opportunity to explore the lifestyle and culture of Sri Lanka.

In a message to the squads before they set off, Director of Cricket Andy Hurry said: “ This is a really exciting opportunity to experience some unique conditions overseas that will also provide everyone with the chance to have great fun, develop as a cricketer and make some great friends.

“Having fun is such a great aspect of playing cricket and the opportunity to gain exposure to foreign playing conditions at this stage of their development will enhance their game beyond belief.

He added: “The tour will present an exciting challenge, and the tourists will need to adapt to the pace of the wickets, bounce and spin, the most effective lengths to bowl and finding a way to deal with the heat and humidity.”

The age group squads are accompanied by Matt Drakeley, Director of Talent and Women’s Performance, Andrew Griffiths, Head of Pathway Coaching and coaches Karla Rose, Tilly Bond, Thom Bunker, Any Payne, and Calum Haggett.

In addition to the two Somerset Under 15 squads, several players on the Boy and Girls Academy and five of the Somerset Women cricketers will also be out in Sri Lanka attending specialist training camps.