Champion County team profiles

Date released: 23 March 2010

As the MCC team to play the Champion County match is released, MCC’s Head of Cricket, John Stephenson, and Head Coach, Mark Alleyne, gives Lords.org the lowdown on the players.

Alex Gidman | Scott Newman | David Sales | Mark Ramprakash | Dawid Malan | James Taylor | James Foster | James Middlebrook | Tim Murtagh | Dean Cosker | Steve Kirby | Jon Lewis

Alex Gidman (Captain)

Gidman: 'Big match mentality' John Stephenson (JS): He has strong links with MCC, given he was a Young Cricketer (YC) here, and just really fits the bill. He enjoyed an excellent 2009 season and captains his county.

Mark Alleyne (MA): I was captain of Gloucestershire when Alex made his debut and I’m a big fan of his. When I was coach I named him vice-captain, because he showed real leadership potential and I’m sure has big match mentality which should stand him in good stead for this game.

Scott Newman

Newman: 'Revitalised' JS: I think Scott’s move to Middlesex has revitalised him and I hope it could prove the springboard to put him back among the England reckoning.

MA: This match will be an ideal platform for Scott to relaunch his career. He’s had one taste of the England Academy and I’m sure he’ll want another.

David Sales

Sales: 'Vast number of runs' JS: I played against David and have admired him for many years. He was invited to be part of the team in recognition of the vast number of runs he’s made in first-class cricket.

MA: I rate David very highly as a batsman. He suffered a terrible knee injury in the Caribbean with England but came back the year after and scored mountains of runs. He missed last season through injury too, so let’s hope he responds in the same prolific manner.

Mark Ramprakash

Ramprakash: 'So much to offer' JS: The numbers say it all really. He’s a proven and prolific run scorer and will be the team’s senior pro.

MA: It’ll be a great experience for the younger guys to play with Mark and pick his brains because he has so much to offer. His sheer dedication to batting is something they should all try to emulate.

Dawid Malan

Malan: 'Outstanding fielder' JS: Dawid is an exciting young talent and another, like Gidman, who spent time with the YCs. As well as his batting, he offers the team the option of leg-spin, and he’s an outstanding fielder.

MA: He was a YC before my time here but he’s a young player very much on the up and he finished last season strongly so he’ll hope to start where he left off.

James Taylor

Taylor: 'Scores tough runs' JS: James was voted the PCA and also the Cricket Writers’ Club Young Player of the Year in 2009 and he’s one for the future. I can see him being similar to Alastair Cook, who grabbed his chance when he played in this fixture. Taylor is also a brilliant fielder.

MA: He showed a great temperament and scored lots of runs in difficult situations last year. Anyone who scores tough runs will always stand a real chance of making it.

James Foster

Foster: 'Excellent batting' JS: This will be the fourth time James has played in this fixture and with good reason - he’s always in and around England selection and his excellent batting could pick up some crucial late runs for us.

MA: I played with James and captained him for England ‘A’ - he’s the kind of player every captain wants in his side. His success is testament to his consistency and professionalism.

James Middlebrook

Middlebrook: 'A good batsman' JS: This was my personal pick; James really interests me. I think he suffered at Essex with Danish Kaneria being the incumbent spinner, but he’s now moved and is at an age - early 30s - where spinners tend to peak. He’s also a good batsman.

MA: Having moved to Northants, 2010 represents a fresh start for Middlebrook and this match will be an ideal way to get overs under his belt.

Tim Murtagh

Murtagh: JS: He's bowled so well recently, I think he is not too far from England selection.

His recent performances for Middlesex have been excellent.

Dean Cosker

Cosker: 'Tough to play against' JS: He's a high quality spinner and very experienced too.

I don't think he ever really got the recognition that a good career deserved so I hope this selection shows how admired he is.

It was always a tough challenge to play against him.

Steve Kirby

Kirby: 'One of the best county bowlers' JS: Steve is one of the best county bowlers around and has been recognised as such by the England Lions. He was very good last year and I think 2010 could be a big year for him. He’s worked a lot with MCC - for example he’s coached MCC Universities players - and really buys into the ethos of the Club, so will be a perfect man for this trip.

MA: Steve was my first signing as Gloucestershire coach and has been a model of consistency. People think of him as being an aggressive bowler - which he is - but that means his skilfulness has sometimes been overlooked. He’ll do a good job.

Jon Lewis

Lewis: MCC Member JS: Jon ticked all the boxes - we needed another seamer and he's been a very good bowler for many years.

He's an MCC Member too so he'll be even more keen than most to see us win!