A HOST of top cricketers are set to showcase their skills at Evesham Cricket Club's Albert Road ground this season when the Marylebone Cricket Club, better known as the MCC, comes to town.

Evesham, promoted to Birmingham and District League Division Two after winning the Division Three title last season, have recently found out they have been chosen as one of the select few clubs in the country to be awarded a regular fixture against the prestigious MCC.

The game is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 9, and it will be a declaration match, starting at 11.30am.

Evesham were first awarded a fixture against the MCC in 2004 to mark their 150th anniversary.

Following that game, the then MCC captain, Graham Glendenning, advised Evesham to write to Lord's and request a regular fixture.

Club secretary Bob Shaw took this advice on board and was delighted to find out this week they have been accepted and the MCC will now play at Evesham every two seasons.

He said: "Obviously, our team must have made a good impression to be added to the list of the limited number of clubs who are granted a regular fixture with the MCC.

"We had a great game with them in 2004, which we narrowly lost in the last over. It was a lovely day all round and it looks like the MCC enjoyed the day too.

"Everyone associated with Evesham Cricket Club is delighted that we will now be playing regular fixtures against such a prestigious club.

"This is a great honour and some indication of the high standing of Evesham Cricket Club among sides in the south and West Midlands."

It is expected the MCC will send a strong side, including some ex-Test and first-class players.

In 2004, the MCC side included former Pakistan Test player Mushtaq Mohammed.