Essex County Cricket Club joined the Blues for training today as the they started their preparations for the 2005 season. Darren Gough, James Foster and skipper Ronnie Irani were amongst those with the Town squad at Playford Road.

Coach Graham Gooch told the club site his players enjoyed the day: "Some of the lads are Ipswich fans so it was extra special for them, but it was a good day all round.

"You've got to be very fit to play cricket now with the one-dayers and Twenty20, and chasing a ball around for two hours will do them a lot of good - and they did seem to do a lot of chasing.

"It's something different from their normal training routine as well and I know the lads all enjoyed it, so thanks to Ipswich for the invite."

Darren Gough met up with an old friend from his schoolboy days. Town keeper coach Andy Rhodes took Gough for training during his time as a Barnsley player.

Photo: Action Images

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