The Surrey County Cricket Club squad returned to the Brit Oval today to commence their first day of pre-season training.

The squad will be subjected to rigorous fitness testing for the first three days of their programme in a six week period that will incorporate everything from fitness and cricket specific work through to exercises like plyometrics and yoga.

Anil Kumble, the Indian Test star should be in action for Surrey sometime in July

The squad will be without Rikki Clarke for another three weeks, who is currently touring with the England A side in the Caribbean. Clarke, who has been at the Club since 2002, was recently announced as the Surrey vice captain for season 2006.

Anil Kumble, Surrey’s second overseas signing for the 2006 season, is currently playing for India in their home Test series against England. Kumble is expected to arrive at the Brit Oval in July after the completion of India’s Test series with the West Indies.

Pre-season matches have been scheduled against Sussex at Hove on 10 and 11 April and against Kent at Canterbury on 13 April.

Surrey Coach, Alan Butcher said:

“We are all really looking forward to the season ahead and on a personal note, I cannot wait to begin my first season as Surrey Coach. This pre-season schedule has been planned in detail to make sure we hit the ground running come our first Liverpool Victoria Championship game against Derbyshire on the 19th April.”

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