Mole In The Camp

Day One - Mole In The Camp

What a fantastic start to our pre-season camp in the Cook Islands!

We were welcomed to Rarotonga with a traditional haka and music along with some of their cricket players.

After that we headed off to the resort, which is right on the beach. There are plenty of sand-dunes to top-up our fitness levels ahead of the season.

We've had a little time to relax too and headed down to the water and soaked up the sun.

When we arrived we noticed the change in heat and today has been another glorious day. I hear it's raining in much of New Zealand so we're not missing that too much.

Although some of the players might have a bit of sunburn after our training in singlets today - we realised quite quickly the sun is just as harsh over here as it is at home.

The one good thing is that we're not right at the start of our preparations for the season ahead.

All of the guys have been on a fitness plan for the last three months so when we hit pre-season proper it's more about topping up than catching up.

Trying to get fit in a month before the season starts in November just isn't achievable and the guys are ready and looking up for it.

The sand dunes haven't been too tortuous so far - the sand is quite soft so the sprint work and leg work will help us when we spend a long time fielding or at the crease.

But it really is fantastic to be in Rarotonga.

All of the boys are enjoying the hired scooters we have to get around the island - it's been fun zooming around on them.

Experiencing the culture and nature of the island is a joy. I've only seen one side of the island and it's very beautiful. I can't wait to explore the other side.

And meeting the locals has been a real treat.

They've been so welcoming and hospitable and I hope they enjoy having us here.

And so for the real inside information.

The jokers in the camp haven't come to the fore just yet - but they will and I'll keep you up to date with what's going on.

The question of the day, however, is which Knights player dressed up as Captain America by the local kids who christened him Captain Cricket?

Kia Manuia, "The Mole"