England hopefuls in season opener

Date released: 31 March 2008

The 2008 domestic cricket season got under way at 'The Home of Cricket' when a strong MCC side will face the Champion County, Sussex, at Lord’s from 10th–13th April.

Captain's duties: Ed Joyce - click for more photos Ed Joyce captains an MCC team that features a host of cricketers pushing for a place in the full England Test side as well as two of his Middlesex county colleagues – Owais Shah and Steve Finn.

After losing the toss and being put in the field, MCC had an excellent first day. Steve Kirby's four wickets the pick of a fine team bowling performance. Sussex all out for 171.

Shah steered MCC's reply to 130-4 at the close of the first day.

Despite getting out early on day two, Shah's 72 (from 98 balls) played a large part in MCC's total of 205 - a lead of 34 runs as Sussex start their second innings midway through day two.

• MCC v Champion County - match photos

UCCE student in MCC squad

Also in the squad, chosen in association with the England selectors, is Loughborough UCCE and Surrey batsman Arun Harinath, who will become the fourth successive MCC Universities cricketer to feature in the season-opening fixture.

Keith Bradshaw, MCC’s Secretary & Chief Executive, said: "The champion county fixture is one that is greatly anticipated by everyone at MCC.

"Heralding the start of the English cricket season, this match is the first of around 450 that we will play in the UK this year against schools, clubs and touring sides.

"It’s a time when Mick Hunt and his team put the finishing touches to the ground and practice facilities, and there’s a general buzz of excitement about the place.

"It might be two-jumper weather but we can’t wait for the cricket to begin at Lord’s."

Catching the selectors' eye

England selectors are amongst the crowd at Lord's - Geoff Miller and Ashley Giles both took time out to talk to the lords.org commentary team.

• Listen to exclusive interviews

John Stephenson, MCC’s Head of Cricket, who played in this fixture in 2005 and 2006, added: "We’re looking forward to the season starting in what promises to be another busy year for MCC cricket.

"This match is a great opportunity for Arun Harinath to show his talent and by association highlight the depth of skill to be found in the MCC Universities. He’ll learn a great deal from playing with Ed, Owais and the others, and will hope to use it as a springboard for success.

England hopeful: Adil Rashid - click for more photos "This happened last year when an outstanding performance from Adil Rashid was the catalyst for a very good season, culminating in him being voted the Cricket Writers’ Club Young Cricketer of the Year."

MCC captain, Ed Joyce, said: "It is an honour to be asked to captain the MCC team against Sussex, and it’s a match I’m greatly looking forward to.

"With the spotlight on this game, it’s a chance for all of the guys to get some early season form and make the England selectors sit up and take notice.

"There will be a lot of determined cricketers at Lord’s, and you can expect a very competitive match as a result."

Guy Jackson, ECB’s Operations Manager, who will oversee the MCC team, said: "The season-opening fixture at Lord’s is not only a hugely valuable exercise for the England coaching team and selectors but it’s a great opportunity for all the players to put in a good performance and take it into the county season.

"There is a healthy competition for places in the England Test side, which is as it should be, and the selectors will be casting a keen eye on all the contenders between now and May."

The MCC squad to play against the Champion County, Sussex:

Live match commentary

The lords.org commentary team will be covering this match. You can listen in via lords.org or, for blind or partially sighted spectators, headsets are available (free of charge) from the Stewards' Office.