Ravinder Bopara & James Foster selected for MCC vs. Essex

Ravinder Bopara and James Foster have been selected by the MCC for their game against the Champion County, Sussex, at Lord’s from April 10-13.

The Essex pair were both part of England squads during the winter – Bopara for the full team and Foster for the Lions – and are hoping to make the most of their latest representative call.

Foster said: “It’s fantastic to be selected for the MCC game and is an opportunity to impress once more. These four days against a strong opponent will form an extremely useful part of my preparation ahead of the 2008 season.”

Bopara said: “It’s always nice to be given recognition in these representative games. I’ve enjoyed – and learnt a lot from – my experiences with England so far and am sure this match will prove equally beneficial in my progress.”

The MCC squad to play against the Champion County, Sussex, is as follows:

Ed Joyce, captain (Middlesex)
Ravinder Bopara (Essex)
Michael Carberry (Hampshire)
James Foster, wicketkeeper (Essex)
Steven Finn (Middlesex)
Arun Harinath (Loughborough UCCE and Surrey)
Steven Kirby (Gloucestershire)
Graham Onions (Durham)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Alan Richardson (Middlesex)
Owais Shah (Middlesex)
James Tredwell (Kent)

Tickets for the MCC v Champion County fixture will be available on the gates at Lord’s for all four days.

Worcestershire Sign Steve Magoffin

Worcestershire CCC has confirmed the signing of 28 year old fast medium seam bowler from West Australia, Steve Magoffin, as their overseas bowler for the first part of the season subject to the normal clearance and work permit regulations.

Magoffin has had an excellent Pura Cup season in Australia with 29 wickets at 23.31 and an economy rate of 2.32 runs per over.

Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes, says “Steve is a tall and lively ‘hit the deck’ bowler who has excellent control. This will make him a tough opponent to face on the early season English wickets. He is highly recommended by Tom Moody who is his coach at West Australia and we are delighted to give him an opportunity to make a name for himself in England.”

Steve Magoffin says “I am delighted to be joining Worcestershire CCC at the start of the season. My coach at Western Australia, Tom Moody, speaks very highly of the club, the squad and the setup at New Road and I can’t wait to join up with Steve Rhodes, Vikram Solanki and the rest of the team. I am very eager to pull on the shirt for Worcestershire and get the ball in my hand for the season opener against Warwickshire”.

Magoffin is expected to arrive in time for the final pre- season game against Herefordshire.

The full pre- season schedule is:
1st April v Warwickshire at New Road
3rd/4th April v Leicestershire at Leicester
8/9th April v Essex at Chelmsford
12th April v Herefordshire at New Road

Worcestershire CCC Sign Fidel Edwards

Worcestershire CCC has confirmed the signing of 26 year old West Indian fast bowler from Barbados, Fidel Edwards, as their overseas player for the second half of the 2008 season subject to clearance from the WICB.

Edwards has played 30 Test Matches (75 wkts) and 33 ODI’s (44 wkts) for the West Indies.

Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes, says “Fidel is an International strike bowler with 30 Test Matches under his belt who has the ability to bowl at 90 mph. His pace and aggression will suit Worcestershire for the second half of the season when the wickets have dried out. He is exciting to watch and will add even more venom to our bowling attack.”

Edwards himself says “I am very excited to be coming to Worcestershire County Cricket Club as I have been waiting a long time to play County Cricket. I have heard it is hard work but I like it when I am being tested. It’s going to be a learning experience for me and I am willing to give whatever experience I have gained from playing test cricket. I can’t wait to be there.”

Rich Hudson of international sports management business Essentially Group, who represent Edwards, said “We are delighted that Fidel has finally got the opportunity he has craved to play county cricket. Worcester will be a fantastic place for him to play and combining Fidel with the County’s array of fast bowlers will surely make them one of the most dangerous and feared attacks on the county circuit. I know Fidel is very excited about his arrival in July and looking forward to giving his all to propel Worcestershire towards success”.

It is expected that Edwards will arrive in time for the LVCC match against Northants at New Road on 10th July.

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