ALL-ROUNDER Ed Barnard is amongst Worcestershire players heading back abroad this winter to play grade cricket – and head coach Kevin Sharp says such experiences are “priceless.”

Barnard is returning to play for Perth-based side Scarborough having previously spent the 2016-17 season with them.

He will fly out in early November and return when Worcestershire step up their pre-season preparations at the start of March.

All-rounder George Rhodes is to play for a second stint in Wellington, New Zealand with Onslow CC after a successful spell last winter.

Batsman Ollie Westbury, who played for Scarborough before returning home early in January because of a shoulder problem, is also switching to New Zealand to play for Auckland-based Grafton.

Wicket-keeper-batsman Alex Milton is to play for Cape Town club Claremont.

Sharp said: “It is a priceless experience. I had six years abroad when I was a kid, from 18 to 24. I had three winters in Australia and three in South Africa.

“I played state cricket in South Africa and high standard A grade cricket in Perth.

“To go away, and just look after yourself, learning to live in an environment that is different and a bit out of your comfort zone is great experience.

“It is all part of life’s learnings and the cricket is tough and beneficial.

“I would say every young professional has to go away for two or three years and sample that.”