MCC head to Africa

MCC’s bid to spread the cricket message around the world continued apace as they set off on a second tour to far-flung destinations in two days.

Barely 24 hours after a party headed for China for the first time in the club’s history, a 15-man squad embarked on a two-week visit to Bostwana and Zambia.

Former England Test players Richard Illingworth - now a first-class umpire - and Steve Rhodes - director of cricket at Worcestershire - feature in a group of players captained by ex-Gloucestershire seam bowler Stuart Barnes.

John Stephenson, MCC’s head of cricket, said: “The season may have finished in the UK but, for MCC, the cricket activity continues.

“We’re embarking on two ambitious tours in a week - proof that MCC is determined to be a leading player in the development of the game worldwide.

“The tourists to Botswana and Zambia - two of Africa’s fast-improving cricket nations - can expect good, competitive matches in testing conditions.”

MCC works in partnership with the International Cricket Council in selecting each tour destination – numbering around eight per year – with the remit being to play and promote the game worldwide.

Steve Rhodes is among a 15-strong touring party to Africa

Accordingly, the Botswana and Zambia tour will not only feature matches against the national teams, but a series of coaching clinics to aid the development of the next generation of players.

In addition, MCC will donate US $2,500 to the Botswana and Zambia Cricket Associations, to be spent at their discretion on facilities or equipment.

MCC squad

Richard Ibbotson (tour manager)
Stuart Barnes (captain, ex-Gloucestershire)
Abeed Janmohahamed (ex-Kenya)
Robert Ross
Iain Fletcher (ex-Somerset)
Ben Humpage
Martin O’Reilly
Richard Illingworth (ex-Worcestershire & England)
Gary Kidd (MCC Young Cricketer)
Nick Denning (ex-MCC Young Cricketer)
Josh Knappett (Oxford UCCE & Worcestershire)
George Brooksbank
Steve Rhodes (ex-Worcestershire & England)
Mark Leathley
John Brown (scorer)
Charlie Puckett (umpire)

Schedule

September 29 v Botswana (20 overs)
September 30 v Botswana (50 overs)
October 2 v Botswana (50 overs)
October 4 v Zambia (50 overs)
October 5 v Zambia (50 overs)
October 7 v Zambia (50 overs)