The MCC, guardian of cricket's treasured traditions, gaze into the future when England's season curtain-raiser takes place this month not on the lush acres of Lord's but under lights in Abu Dhabi using a pink ball.
Marylebone Cricket Club, founded in 1787 and for so long a world of old school ties and conservatism, is now aiming to lead the way as a force for change in cricket under innovative Australian chief executive Keith Bradshaw.
The MCC's match against county champions Durham at the Zayed stadium on March 29 will be the first time a pink ball has been used in a first class fixture and Bradshaw is hoping it will pave the way for the opening day-night test.
