By Claire Taylor England cricketer, wintering in NZ

A frustrating rainy morning has given me an opportunity to evaluate my trip to New Zealand.

This weekend was supposed to be the culmination of a great State season for Canterbury - a chance to prove our dominance of the game this season and take our first state title for five years.

The competition this year has been a close one. Four teams have been battling for the two finals spots with the improving Wellington and Central Districts teams squeezing Auckland back into fourth place.

Canterbury have performed well as a squad with all players contributing to nine solid wins from 10, to qualify in first place and earn a home final.

I have a couple of days rest and recovery before heading out to Johannesburg with the England squad on Thursday Claire Taylor Read more: England women reveal squad for SA

Saturday was spent watching the drizzle from the warmth of the pavilion before play was called off after lunch.

If we get no play today, we share the trophy - an infuriating prospect completely out of our control.

Personally although I've had a good season, I'd still liked to have scored more runs (batsmen always say that don't they!)

With over 400 at an average of 45 in the state competition and over 1,100 at about 65 in all competitions, I'm happy with my preparation for South Africa.

I head back to England on Monday afternoon via Singapore, arriving early Tuesday morning.

I then have a couple of days rest and recovery from the flight before heading out to Johannesburg with the England squad on Thursday.

I will be staying at home next winter, resting up after five seasons of cricket Claire Taylor

I doubt that I'll get much rest though. I'll have washing, ironing and packing to do, parents to see, my sister's new house to visit, dogs to walk, friends to catch up with, four months of post to sort and so on.

My second winter in New Zealand has been better than my first.

Working over here has given me a secondary focus and I think my cricket and training have benefited from this.

I have had extra cash and transport this year to make everything easier and I have been more settled staying with a family.

The benefits of playing and training outdoors all year round are huge and I would recommend anyone serious about improving their sport to take on the challenge of a season abroad.

For women cricketers, I'm not sure it's something that we would be able to do year on year.

There are costs to consider; from the obvious, like the financial impact of giving up work, to the unknown effect on careers and relationships left behind.

I will be staying at home next winter, resting up after five seasons of cricket and preparing with the rest of the squad for the World Cup in early 2005.

I will consolidate all that I have learnt in match play situations with some hard technical training.