Johnson opens for Vaughan

Martin Johnson was drafted in to deliver an inspirational talk to England's cricketers on the eve of their tour to the West Indies.

The victorious Rugby World Cup captain opened up to skipper Michael Vaughan and the rest of the squad as they assembled for a four-day training camp at the Loughborough Academy last week.

The England and Wales Cricket Board were keen for Johnson's winning mentality to rub off on them as they seek a first series win in the Caribbean since 1968.

Johnson stressed the need for thorough preparation and strong domestic competition in creating a successful England team.

Surrey batsman Graham Thorpe, was part of the England team that was defeated 3-1 in each of their last two tours of the Caribbean, believed the session was beneficial.

'I found it pretty valuable and I think we all did,' said Thorpe.

'It doesn't matter if you play different sports, there are always things in common.

'One of his messages was that in the last 20 minutes of that World Cup final, with the pressure on, it was the previous year of preparation that enabled them to win.'