Grayson will lead Essex into the Pro Arch Trophy which starts on 17 March

Essex first-team coach Paul Grayson says he will use the pre-season tour of Dubai and Sharjah to experiment.

The squad are taking part in a week-long tournament and play the first of four one-day matches on Tuesday.

Ravi Bopara, Alastair Cook and Graham Napier will not be taking part due to recent international commitments.

Grayson told BBC Essex: "Last year it gave us the chance to try different batting line-ups and bowling positions, it'll be the same this year."

"Last year we found a formula that worked well for us and we obviously had a good season in one-day cricket."

The Essex players have funded the trip themselves and Grayson believes that it shows how much the trip means to the players.

He added: "The reason why they have funded the trip is because they felt its been so beneficial to us having such a successful season."

The Essex coach went on to say that he does not think there will be any extra additions to the squad before the start of the new season next month.

"We're expecting Danish (Kaneria) to join us for the first game of the season. I don't think there's any more money in the budget to bring more players in."

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