Durham off to Gulf for MCC match

Dec 12 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

The decision to move the traditional season-opening fixture from Lord’s was confirmed at an MCC Committee meeting and will ensure Durham will contest the first-ever day/night, four-day match using pink balls. Durham head coach Geoff Cook added: “As the game of cricket generally is moving forward, the possibility of playing with pink cricket balls for the first time in a four-day match, under floodlights, is an experience that the players will be really looking forward to.”

MCC will select a competitive team to face the double county champions, with the best county, MCC, university and United Arab Emirates cricketers in line for selection.

The fixture will run from Monday March 29 to Thursday April 1 at the Zayed international cricket stadium, where Pakistan and New Zealand recently played a series of one day internationals. MCC’s Head of Cricket, John Stephenson, who has been the driving force behind the change of venue, said: “We are delighted to confirm the MCC-Champion County match will take place in Abu Dhabi, and greatly appreciate Durham’s enthusiasm and co-operation.

“Ultimately, this match is being played in Abu Dhabi for two reasons.

“Firstly, we felt that the proposed fixture schedule for Lord’s (April 3-5) was far too early in the year to play meaningful cricket, with poor weather a very likely possibility.

“Secondly, we’ve been asking cricket authorities around the world to help us trial the pink ball under floodlights. If this match is a success, it could help to re-invigorate Test cricket. We have an opportunity to play our part for the good of the game and we’re determined to grasp it.”