Fixtures for 2009 confirmed

Date released: 18 December 2008

Next season is set to be the busiest ever cricket season at Lord’s in the ground’s 195 year history.

• Check the full Lord's fixture list

The 2009 fixture list, released today, boasts matches ranging from an Ashes Test match and the ICC World Twenty20 Finals to numerous MCC matches and the return of the Bunbury England Under 15s.

Kicking off the season on Thursday 9 April will be the traditional MCC versus Champion County match.

This will feature, for the first time, a visit from Durham, who won the LV County Championship in a thrilling last round of matches in 2008.

Paul Collingwood: Due at Lord's for the season opening fixture Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood are likely to be going head-to-head with some of their England teammates, who will be on the MCC side looking for early season form.

John Stephenson, MCC’s Head of Cricket, said: "The 2009 Lord’s fixture list highlights once again why this is such a special venue.

"We will host matches of all descriptions and all formats, and see cricketers at the pinnacle of the game to those aspiring to reach it.

"I’m sure that the ground will provide inspiration to all players, and we at MCC cannot wait to see the action in 2009."

In all, there will be approximately 50 matches played at Lord’s next year, taking up a total of nearly 70 match days.