The MCC wrapped up its 2024 international tours by sending a 13-member squad to Canada, marking their first men's tour to the country in over a decade. Departing from Lord’s this morning, the team is set to compete in Toronto and Vancouver.
The initial stop in Toronto will see MCC take on the Canadian national team as they gear up for their ICC World Cricket League 2 campaign against Nepal and Oman. The tour will include three 50-over matches that mirror the format of the upcoming One-Day Internationals for Canada.
These matches will be held at the iconic Toronto Cricket, Skating, and Curling Club, a venue that has previously hosted legendary teams like India, Pakistan, and the West Indies in ODI formats.
After Toronto, the squad will travel to Vancouver to face a Canada Development XI team in a mix of 50-over and T20 matches, rounding off their competitive engagements in Canada.
The MCC squad boasts significant talent, with several prominent players joining this final tour. The team will be led by Daryl Mitchell, the former Worcestershire captain, who accumulated nearly 14,000 first-class runs over his 16-year career. Another notable name is James Hildreth, Somerset’s former star, with 18,000 first-class runs to his credit.
Additionally, William Bosisto, who has represented both South Australia and Western Australia, and featured in the Big Bash League for Perth Scorchers, is on the roster. Joining him is seamer Chad Barrett, a player with a County Championship century to his name.
James Overy, the Head of Cricket Projects, commented on the tour, noting that Canada is always a favourite destination for MCC members. He shared that the strong squad, featuring four former MCC Young Cricketers and a wealth of first-class experience, is expected to not only bolster MCC’s performance but also offer valuable learning opportunities for Canada's up-and-coming cricketers.
Meanwhile, Captain Daryl Mitchell expressed his excitement, saying that representing MCC, especially abroad, is both an honour and a privilege. He looks forward to immersing himself in Canadian culture and ensuring the team’s success on the tour.
James Hildreth echoed these sentiments, stating that playing for MCC in Canada is a prestigious opportunity to promote the sport internationally. He stated that MCC’s tours help grow the game by fostering friendships and sharing the spirit of cricket with local communities. He anticipates tough competition and is eager for the challenge.
The squad traveling to Canada includes Paul O'Reilly as Tour Manager, Daryl Mitchell as captain, Aman Bailwal, Chad Barrett, Joseph Barrett, William Bosisto, Andrew Brewster, Steven Green, James Hildreth, Alex Jones, David Scott, Tom Simpson (wkt), Jamie Southgate, Nick Stevens (wkt), and Paul Nicholls (Umpire).
The tour’s schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday 10 September: Canada vs MCC, Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club – 50 overs
- Thursday 12 September: Canada vs MCC, Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club – 50 overs
- Saturday 14 September: Canada vs MCC, Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club – 50 overs
- Monday 16 September: Canada Development XI vs MCC, West Newton Park – 50 overs
- Tuesday 17 September: Canada Development XI vs MCC, West Newton Park – 2x T20 matches
- Thursday 19 September: Canada Development XI vs MCC, West Newton Park – 2x T20 matches
MCC’s Canadian tour promises to be a fitting conclusion to their 2024 season.