The Yorkshire trio of Darren Gough, Craig White and Matthew Hoggard jetted off today on the first part of their winter cricketing mission.
They are part of England's 14-man squad heading for Nairobi for the ICC Knockout Trophy,.
The competition involves all nine Test-playing nations and hosts Kenya which will give the rejuvenated England line-up their first chance to test themselves in alien conditions.
They will then transfer to Pakistan for three one-day internationals, before the Test players not involved fly out for a further three Tests to mark England's first visit to the country since 1987.
Chairman of selectors David Graveney says England face another important test of their new found confidence and wants them to build on their summer Test win over West Indies.
"We are by no means the finished article and I think we are still an improving side which still has the odd hiccup when we lose games we should win, but this tournament will be valuable experience for us."
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