WORCESTERSHIRE skipper Vikram Solanki is delighted that the County have been able to return to their New Road home.

The 2007 NatWest Pro40 champions went nearly 10 months without being able to play at their picturesque ground by the river after the devastating summer floods.

On April 1, 2008, cricket finally returned to New Road, even though the ground was under water in March, and Solanki is as pleased as anyone to be home.

"Have a look around, it's a fantastic place to play cricket," the Worcestershire skipper beamed.

"It is our home ground, not just a psychological boost, but it is what you almost sometimes take for granted.

"It was a bit touch-and-go with the floods so recently in pre-season, but the ground is looking great.

"I know the members and players very much look forward to playing at home."

During the winter, Solanki played in the rebel Indian Cricket League which the County skipper enjoyed.

"It was a great tournament to be involved with," he said.

"We are living in interesting times with cricket and various bodies have various opinions about the IPL and the ICL so it remains to be seen what happens."

While Solanki was away, the playing squad underwent a massive overhaul in the seam department.

Out went Nadeem Malik, Roger Sillence, Ray Price, Dewald Nel and Stuart Wedge as well as no return for Doug Bollinger.

In have come Simon Jones, Steve Magoffin until June, Fidel Edwards from July, Gareth Andrew, Chris Whelan and Mehraj Ahmed on his first professional contract.

With the new faces in the dressing room, as well as the return of Aussie strike bowler Matt Mason, the 32-year-old is pleased with the players that he will have to try and keep happy on the pitch.

"They are a fantastic group of players to be honest," Solanki said.

"You have to consider what went on last year in testing times for us and to secure a trophy speaks volumes for the spirit that we have in the squad. There are some pretty talented guys out there.

"We are very comfortable and confident with the group of players we have got here and we have had a high-profile signing in Jones.

"We have some young guys as well in Whelan, Andrew and Mehraj. Generally speaking, we are very happy with the players we have got together to hopefully have a successful year.

"Of course, all three aspects of the game need to be performed well in to have any sort of a chance of success."

With the season now under way, Solanki is not expecting any let-up in the training from strength and conditioning coach Dave Lowe.

"We have trained pretty hard, we pride ourselves in being a fit squad," he added.

"Our strength and conditioning coach has been with us for well over five or six years now, so we all know that we are in for a hard day if we have got a Dave Lowe session.

"He is involved for the duration of the season as well, so we try and work hard during pre-season to get our fitness levels up and in line with what we might expect for the year."