PAUL Grayson believes Essex’s aspiring youngsters will “grow up” by spending their winters overseas.

England Under-19 international wicketkeeper Adam Wheater and batsman Jaik Mickleburgh will spend time in both Australia and South Africa, while Romford-born seamer Mervyn Westfield is also heading Down Under.

Burnham-based fast bowler Jahid Ahmed is spending his off-season in New Zealand while Maurice Chambers, who made an impressive breakthrough into Essex’s first eleven this year, is jetting out to Florida to attend an ECB fast-bowling clinic.

And Essex first-team coach Grayson thinks all five will benefit from their experiences in foreign climes.

“Adam and Jaik have gone out to Perth until Christmas,” he said.

“They’ll then fly back before joining up with the England Under-19s for a month in South Africa, so those two are having a nice winter.

“Mervyn has gone out to Adelaide and Jahid to New Zealand and it will do the pair of them the power of good.

“It will be a bit of a culture shock for them.”

Grayson thinks 20-year-old Westfield, in particular, will take plenty out of his time on the other side of the world.

“It’s the first time Mervyn has been away from home and it’ll give him a chance to grow up a bit,” the coach added.

“He’ll have to do his washing for himself and get himself down the gym and keep himself fit.

“He’ll have to fend for himself and make a few sacrifices.

“Mervyn had a pretty good season in the 2nd XI this year and this is a massive winter for him.

“He’ll have a full pre-season, as will Jahid, who missed it last year due to his college commitments.

“I’m expecting both of them to come back raring to go for the new season.”

Grayson is also hoping Chambers’ winter experiences will stand him in good stead ahead of the 2009 season.

“I am hoping Maurice will finally put his injury problems behind him and play a big part for us next year,” the coach explained.

“He is going away with the ECB to Florida to work on his strength and conditioning.

“He’s then off to India with our bowling coach Graeme Welch to work with Dennis Lillee for 10 to 12 days.”