On Saturday 19 May the EDM, the WDM, Andrew Eade, and ECC Trophy Referee, David Jukes, will set off on a 4-day trip encompassing Austria and Croatia. Departing from Lords after entertaining over 40 European guests invited to attend the England v Pakistan Test match as part of ECC Presidents' Day, the three will arrive in Vienna late that evening to be met by Austrian Cricket Association Chairman, Andrew Simpson-Parker.

The group will make an early visit to Concordia CC's new ground in central Vienna to see the work being done as part of this exciting development. Following this, a journey will be made to Seebarn, where, as part of European Cricket Day, a second ground will be opened and youth and adult cricket played. The ECC Trophy organising committee will present its strategy for hosting the tournament, which will be split between the two grounds at Seebarn and the ground at Velden in southern Austria.

Crucially, David Jukes will have the opportunity to work through the presentation given to Captains and Managers prior to the start of the Tournament, and to consider the logistical challenges of moving 10 teams around the two locations and the administrative procedures which will be required to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly. Andrew Eade will be given an insight into how Austria, with its ideal location in the centre of Europe, its great facilities and its enthusiastic personnel, may be able to contribute to the European programme in years to come.

The EDM and WDM will then move on to Croatia, arriving in Zagreb on Monday 21 May. The current ground at the University will be inspected, together with potential practice and playing facilities, to assist with assessment of Croatia's application for ICC Affiliate membership. This will be followed by a meeting with the Board to consider their short and long term development plan. Croatia will be competing in the ECC Trophy in August and it is hoped that there will be opportunities to witness players in action during the visit, along with meeting Government personnel and sponsors.