Eight major MCC activities on 08/08/08

Date released: 8 August 2008

While England’s cricketers are taking on South Africa at the Oval, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) enjoyed one of the busiest days in its 221-year history.

MCC hosted matches; played fixtures; and helped to coach the next generation of talent - in locations all over the country.

Stephenson: 'MCC committed to promoting the game' John Stephenson, MCC’s Head of Cricket, is excited about the day:

“MCC’s cricket activities taking place around the country reflect the breadth and depth of our participation in the game today.

"From hosting international cricket at Lord’s to introducing the sport to the next generation, the day is a perfect reflection of MCC’s commitment to promoting the game worldwide.

"We look forward to seeing some memorable cricket and hope that the hundreds of people involved in MCC youth cricket will go on to play the game for years to come.”

On the day that the Beijing Olympic Games are opened, the eight MCC activities for the 8th day of the 8th month of 2008 are:

1 – England Women v South Africa Women at Lord’s

Charlotte Edwards in The Long Room at Lord's Charlotte Edwards lead her team to success at 'The Home of Cricket'.

Included in the England team were Caroline Atkins and Nicky Shaw - two former MCC Young Cricketers – and batter Beth Morgan, a current YC.

A good attendance enjoyed the match that was covered live, ball by ball, by MCC’s volunteer commentators.

Anyone wanting to follow their progress could do so by listening in on the www.lords.org website; blind or partially-sighted spectators listened in via headsets in the Ground.

• Live commentary from Lord's

2 – The men’s MCC Young Cricketers v Essex II at Billericay.

Head Coach Clive Radley will want his players to impress in their 2nd XI Championship match and win a professional contract with one of the first-class counties.

Middlesex’s Dawid Malan is one of their recent graduates.

3 – MCC Universities team v Leicestershire II at Hinckley Town CC.

MCC’s team is comprised of the pick of the MCC University Centres of Cricketing Excellence players who have not yet been signed to first-class counties.

The University cricketers will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Loughborough’s Johann Malcolm, who having impressed Leicestershire as part of an MCC internship scheme, has graduated to the first team.

Johann is currently playing in the LV County Championship match against Gloucestershire.

4 – Final day of the MCC Spirit of Cricket National Under 13 Club Championships at Oakham School.

Ann Barrington will present the trophy named in honour of her husband, Ken, to the winning captain from 1,800 participating teams.

5 – MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge 3-day summer camp in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.

Children enjoying an MCC Spirit of Cricket camp Former Scotland and Worcestershire cricketer James Brinkley will be on hand to present the prizes and pass on some tips to the young 8-11 year olds who have been introduced to the game this week.

Other MCC Spirit of Cricket Challenge camps have taken place this week in Preston and Berkshire.

6 – MCC v Gerrard’s Cross CC in Buckinghamshire

The match against Gerrard's Cross is one of MCC's 500 annual out-matches that take place around the world.

Former Surrey spin bowler, Keith Medlycott, will be part of a strong Club side.

7 – Another MCC out-match v Winchmore Hill CC in North London.

Coaching with MCC 8 – MCC Summer Coaching Courses in the Indoor Cricket School.

Throughout the summer, hundreds of children pass through the doors to take part in expert coaching courses at the Indoor School at Lord’s.