Strong MCC team for opening match at Lord's

Date released: 31 March 2004

A strong MCC team - led by Andy Flower, the former captain of Zimbabwe - will face Sussex at Lord's over the Easter weekend, in a revival of the traditional MCC v Champion County fixture.

Flower, who was recently appointed as an Honorary Life Member of MCC, captains a side which has been named after consultation with England selectors, who will be attending the match. Alex Gidman (right), a former MCC Young Cricketer who captained England 'A' this winter, has been named as vice-captain.

The MCC XI also includes Robert Key, who played for MCC v Sri Lanka in 2002. The side will be managed by Rod Marsh.

Announcing the team, MCC's Head of Cricket, Tony Dodemaide, said: "We are delighted that the MCC v Champion County has been reinstated as the opening game of the first-class season. I am particularly pleased that we have been able to name such a strong side, and include players who are either Members of the Club, or who have already represented MCC. The game should also give the England selectors, whose advice was sought when we put the team together, a good opportunity to study the early season form of those players who may feature in their future plans."

The MCC team in full is:

Andy Flower (Essex)
Alex Gidman (Gloucestershire)
Alastair Cook (Essex)
Robert Key (Kent)
Ian Bell (Warwickshire)
Kevin Pietersen (Nottinghamshire)
James Foster (Essex)
Graham Napier (Essex)
James Tredwell (Kent)
Sajid Mahmood (Lancashire)
Martin Saggers (Kent)
Adam Harrison - 12th man (Glamorgan)

Tickets for this match will be available on the gates - priced at £10 for adults and £5 for U-16s and senior citizens.