Out of favour England batsman Ian Bell will captain the MCC team against Yorkshire, in the annual four-day game which commences on the 20th March.
Busy times for Bell
The 33 year-old will also be a part of the MCC squad for the tour which will include an Emirates T20 tournament in Dubai earlier in the month.
Bell still harbours hopes of getting back into the England test side, as he battles to get back amongst the runs in the first-class game.
A bid to get back in form
He will also take on the West Indies with his county on the 4th and 6th March. Warwickshire also have a two-day practice match in Sharjah, before they head off to meet the United Arab Emirates XI across two days.
"This match is perfect for me to get some time in the middle ahead of the new season," said Bell, who is still trying to get the necessary runs to force his way back in to the England team for the upcoming series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Bell pleased with opportunity
Bell is very happy to be able to take part in such events and can’t wait to get going ahead of the summer: "I'm very grateful to the MCC for offering me the chance to both play for and captain the team."
He added, "It's a nice opportunity for some practice in warm weather, and it will of course be a privilege to represent MCC again."
Yorkshire aiming to win again
County champions Yorkshire will be aiming to emulate last year’s success in the first game of the season, as last year they also beat the MCC side.
Then captained by current England number three Nick Compton, the MCC also had Alistair Cook in their ranks but were soundly beaten by nine wickets.