WORCESTERSHIRE'S return to Abu Dhabi in March will be "priceless" according to new head coach Kevin Sharp.

The 10-day venture, which starts on March 8, forms part of the pre-season preparations for the 2018 campaign and marks the fifth such trip in as many seasons.

"Once you have had eight weeks of indoor practice, to go away and get some outdoor facilities on grass wickets and some sunshine is priceless," said Sharp.

“It also gets the whole group together because there are some lads who are playing abroad at the minute.

“To have 10 days of high quality practice and a little bit of matchplay towards the end is beneficial.

“There is so much you can do indoors – but indoor surfaces and facilities are so very different to what you are getting in April on a grass wicket in England.

“To start bridging that gap between getting on grass, having some fielding, batting and bowling, is a no-brainer.

“Matt Mason (second XI coach) has taken a lot of responsibility for organising this trip and the itinerary should be finalised shortly.”

Worcestershire will be without a trio of players in Abu Dhabi due to playing commitments.

Joe Clarke and Brett D’Oliveira are part of the North squad to face the South in the Caribbean, while Ross Whiteley will be participating in the Pakistan Super League.