A powerful MCC team is on the Island this week.

The annual tour by the world’s most famous cricket club now has new dimension.

In addition to playing three matches, the squad will visit schools for training sessions and will also hold master classes for Manx coaches.

The side is one of the strongest for many years, featuring Rudra Singh who has played for India and Jonathan Bushe with 29 caps for Ireland.

There are also plenty of Minor Counties players.

The first match is tomorrow against a Young Island eleven.

They are:- Seb Aycock, Jack Newberry, Daniel Laughlin, Richard Jackson (Castletown); Max Stokoe, Matt Ansell, Adam Killey, Adam McAuley, Carl Wagstaffe (Cronkbourne), Jack Rowlands (Crosby) and Shaun Kelly (Ramsey)

On Thursday the MCC take on King William's College and on Friday the visitors are at Tromode for the big match against the Isle of Man.

Sponsors Isle of Man Bank and Isle of Man Services Limited have kindly agreed to provide the Man of the Match Award.

The top Manx performer will win two tickets to attend the CB40 one day final at Lords, together with flights and accommodation.

This must be one of the most generous prizes made in Manx cricket and many thanks are due to MCC and the sponsors for their imitative.