Ian Bell to captain MCC in Abu Dhabi
TAUNTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Ian Bell of Warwickshire points during the LV County Championship match between Somerset and Warwickshire at the County Ground on September 22, 2015 in Taunton, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
NEW Warwickshire captain Ian Bell will get some practice in after being chosen as MCC skipper for the Champion County match.
The 33-year-old will lead the team in Abu Dhabi as they face Yorkshire in the annual four-day game, beginning on March 20.
Bell already has commitments with Warwickshire in the UAE that month, leading a Bears side in two T20 matches against the West Indies on March 4 and 6.
Warwickshire then have a two-day practice game involving players from their own squad in Sharjah, before meeting a UAE XI over two days at the same venue.
The match between MCC and Yorkshire is reverting to a red-ball day game, having been previously used as a day-night match trial for the pink ball.
Bell, who has retired from international limited-overs cricket, but has ambitions to regain his place in the England Test side, said: “This match is perfect for me to get some time in the middle ahead of the new season.
“I’m very grateful to the MCC for offering me the chance to both play for and captain the team. It’s a nice opportunity for some practice in warm weather, and it will be a privilege to represent MCC again.”