Ian Bell to captain MCC in curtain-raiser against Yorkshire

Bell was not selected for England's triumphant tour of South Africa after a poor return with the bat in 2015 although he refused to countenance retirement.

With Nick Compton, last year's MCC captain, and James Taylor failing to nail down a spot in England's middle order, an eye-catching start to the county season with Warwickshire could earn the 33-year-old Bell a recall.

First though, Bell, who will skipper the Bears this season, will lead MCC in a four-day match against Yorkshire in Abu Dhabi, which starts on March 20.

"This match is perfect for me to get some time in the middle ahead of the new season and I'm very grateful to MCC for offering me the chance to both play for and captain the team," said Bell, who played for MCC in the Champion County fixture in 2004 and 2009.

"It's a nice opportunity for some practise in warm weather, and it will of course be a privilege to represent MCC again.

"Yorkshire's team is full of top quality players so it will be great for myself and the rest of our guys to test ourselves against them, and hopefully I can contribute to an entertaining match."

The fixture which since 2010 has used a pink ball in day/night conditions, will be played during the day with a red ball following a request from the White Rose.