TWO local cricketers set off from Lord’s to Kathmandu last week to play on a two-week tour of Nepal with the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club – MCC – the world’s most famous cricket club.
Alex Senneck and Mike Coles, both from Westbury, were selected to play alongside current and former professionals in a 13-man squad set for six fixtures in the mountainous country.
Alex, who has visited Nepal before in the military, currently plays for Westbury and District Cricket Club and the British Army. Mike lives in Westbury and plays with Corsham Cricket Club and Wiltshire’s county team.
Alex said, “I’m really excited for the tour; I have been to Nepal before but have never played with the MCC, so it was an honour to be selected. During the tour, as well as playing, we will be promoting cricket in the country, coaching children, and doing charity work. It’s a good opportunity to show that Nepal is open for business after such a devastating year with the earthquakes.
“It’s a privilege to be going back to such a fascinating and beautiful country. I’m most looking forward to playing cricket in the alien conditions. I’ve been playing since I was 12 years old but I haven’t played like this in the middle of Asia at altitude. We’ll be playing against the Nepalese national team towards the end of the tour, which should be a great game. We’ve got a strong side but are under no illusions; it’ll be a tough game.”
The MCC is widely recognised as the most famous cricket club in the world and a leading authority on the game. They play at Lord’s; the self-proclaimed ‘home of cricket’.
MCC’s head of cricket John Stephenson said, “MCC has been touring overseas for many years but I think this is one of the most important in the club’s history.
“Cricket’s popularity in Nepal has been growing significantly in recent years, and after the trauma the country has been through this year, the sport has become a relief to many local people.
“It is fantastic that MCC is able to contribute towards that and I am confident that this group of players will be excellent ambassadors both for the club and English cricket.”
The squad will visit earthquake-affected areas and will coach local youngsters who do not have access to elite coaching and whose facilities have been badly damaged.
