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.

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

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.

Tony was approached by Ashley Giles, Director of Cricket, about returning to the fold after the announcement that Tim Ambrose had been selected for the England tour to New Zealand. Giles commented, “Tony ticks all the boxes and can provide good cover should Tim be away for prolonged spells with England. He is an experienced, capped player who is an accomplished batter and like for like replacement.”

“As a Club we want to be positive and support our younger players and we feel that Richard Johnson would benefit from more matches with the second XI before being thrust into first team cricket. Tim’s position in the England set-up is not guaranteed but until we know more about his long-term commitments we now have an experienced and committed replacement for what is such a crucial position in the side.”

Frost is delighted with the call-up,” It was a surprise to be having the conversation but it didn’t take me long to accept the offer. I have enjoyed working with the Groundstaff and learning the other side of the game but I loved my time with the Bears and I can’t wait to get back with the team and playing. I spent all last season with Knowle and Dorridge so I have been keeping my eye in and look forward to extending my career at Edgbaston.”

Bopara was selected for all three Tests in Sri Lanka last month but was unable to make a sufficient impression to retain his spot for the upcoming tour.

The 22-year-old has been selected for the one-day squad for the five-ODI series against New Zealand in February.

Speaking at the press conference to announce the touring sides, Chairman of Selectors David Graveney said:

“It was a hard call on Ravi, who I have spoken to. He still retains his position in the one-day squad. He’s an immense talent and he’ll play a huge part in the future.”