Aberdeenshire coach Neil MacRae believes a stint in Australian cricket will toughen-up two of his most promising players.

Kenny Reid and Graeme Tomlinson arrived in Melbourne last night where they will spend a season in the local Grades. And MacRae is confident Aberdeenshire and the Caley Highlanders will reap the benefits next season.

He said: �I�m delighted the boys have got fixed up over there as it can only be good for them and us. The Aussie Grades are renowned for being really competitive so it will toughen them mentally.

�They will also improve technically because the ball will bounce more than they are used to and they will learn to play off the back foot more.�

Reid will turn out for Burwood CC while Tomlinson has been snapped-up by the Sunshine Druids. The pair, who could be knocking on the door of representative honours, spent a spell in South Africa last winter.

MacRae, whose Highlanders will bid to win back the Regional Series title next season, added: �The more our players experience a variety of conditions the better they will become.�