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Durham set for Abu Dhabi opener
Cricket, 13:47, December 11, 2009 ,
The traditional MCC v county champions curtain-raiser will be played in Abu Dhabi and with pink balls under lights in March 2010.
Two-time champions Durham will face the MCC invitational team in the United Arab Emirates in a break from tradition, with the fixture normally reserved for Lord's in mid-April.
The Zayed International Stadium will host next year's match between March 29 and April 1 using the pink balls that MCC has been pioneering in recent seasons.
MCC's head of cricket, John Stephenson, feels that the switch of venue and change to the traditional season-opener could be beneficial to the future of Test cricket around the globe.
"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," he said.
"Ultimately, this match is being played in Abu Dhabi for two reasons. Firstly, we felt that the proposed fixture schedule for Lord's 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."