The Malta national cricket squad went through their first training camp of the year in preparation for key practice matches and T20 tournaments in Luxembourg next July and Hungary, a month later.

The four-day camp was held at the Marsa Sports Club under the guidance of Darren Scott, Head Coach of the Malta national cricket team.

Scott is an ex-professional cricketer and England Cricket Board Level 3 Coach. The camp gave him the ideal opportunity to work with his players intensively and he was particularly impressed by the level of competition for places in the Malta team this time around.

Paul Bradley, chairman of Malta Cricket, said: "There is definitely an increase in the depth of the squad. The national selectors will have a difficult task selecting the final squad for Luxembourg.”

The squad members took part in two T20 matches to put their learnings into action.

Frank Spiteri, vice-chairman of Malta Cricket and leading run scorer for Malta, believes a training camp this early in the year is a considerable advantage over other nations in terms of preparation.

“At a time when all other European teams are confined to indoor cricket or an enforced lay-off due to winter, we are the only cricketing nation in Europe hosting competitive league matches. It means our players will be better prepared for the international fixtures that lie ahead," he said.

The Malta squad have their next training camp set for April, together with five trial matches in nine days against Romiley Cricket Club (Cheshire League - Division 2), Actonians CC (Middlesex Championship - Division 1), Harrow School, Grasshoppers CC (Shropshire) and Wraysbury CC (Chilterns Cricket League - Division 1).

On April 3 and 4, the Malta Junior Cricket Academy are also due to play against the David Byas Cricket Academy and a Hampshire Academy team. Several upcoming U17 players will be using these games as a stepping stone for selection to the senior national team