MCC Await Wales at Lord's in April

28th February 2022 | Matt Thompson

Cricket Wales have confirmed their playing twelve for Thursday 14th April, after the MCC confirmed earlier this week that the traditional annual fixture will go ahead on April 14th 2022 at Lord's.

The fixture was due to be held at the The Home of Cricket back in 2020, and then again in 2021 before plans were cut short due to complications, and restrictions within the pandemic. Most recently prior to 2019 Cricket Wales had hosted the MCC in a multi-day game - in 2018 at St Fagans CC (won by Wales) and in 2019 at Pentyrch CC (drawn), which saw the likes of Middlesex seamers Ethan Bamber and Tom Barber feature amongst strong looking XI's for the MCC.

The format of this year's encounter is a 50 over match and whilst the MCC have yet to name their team for the prestigious occasion, Cricket Wales are delighted to confirm below the selected team and officials that will be representing the National Governing Body, from across its recreational network that encompasses over 200 clubs and leagues.

Of note in the side is Newport's Michael Clayden who will skipper the side - 'Clayds' is one of the South Wales Premier League's stalwarts who has amassed over 12,000 runs and collected over 300 wickets in a career spanning almost 20 years. A former opening batter for Wales National County, Clayden has been a huge contributor to Welsh cricket having served as the National Cricket Centre manager at Sophia Gardens, as well as continuing to act as a county age group in the pathway with Cricket Wales and Glamorgan. He is currently now Head Coach of the Cardiff UCCE scheme.

Also featuring in the travelling party is 18 year old scorer Tom Worgan who was one of the first scorers developed through the young officials programme run by Cricket Wales. Tom has been a loyal servant over the last four seasons, working across a range of boys and girls teams within pathway cricket and now scores regularly for county age group teams as well as Penarth Cricket Club. He continues to educate young officials in a scoring capacity.

Speaking ahead of the occasion Cricket Wales CEO, Leshia Hawkins, commented,

"We're really looking forward to resuming this fixture after understandably enforced postponements over the last couple of years. It is always a highlight in the Welsh cricketing calendar, and it underpins our strong relationship with the MCC, built over many years.

"I wish all of our selected players the best of luck for what promises to be a memorable and special day at the Home of Cricket."

Cricket Wales from:

Michael Clayden (Newport)*

Matthew Humphreys (Mochdre)

Brad Wadlan (Swansea)

Umar Malik (Cardiff)

Iwan Rees (Llanelli)

Andrew Miller (Neyland)

Gareth Ansell+ (Chepstow)

Steffan Rees (Aberaeron)

James Francis (Abergavenny)

Owen Reilly (Bangor)