Jones pulls out of opener
Hampshire paceman withdraws from Middle East trip as precaution
Last Updated: March 22, 2011 5:55pm
Jones: knee discomfort
Former England fast bowler Simon Jones has been ruled out of the MCC's clash with county champions Nottinghamshire.
Jones, a star of England's victorious 2005 Ashes campaign, has endured numerous injury problems in recent years and that run has continued with the Hampshire man experiencing discomfort in his knee.
He has subsequently been withdrawn from the traditional county season opener as a precautionary measure.
His place in the squad for the match, which will take place in Abu Dhabi, is taken by youngster Paul Muchall, who played for Kent last season.
Australian Chris Rogers will captain the MCC side in the four-day contest, while former India star Rahul Dravid will also be in the line-up. England's Steven Davies will also play in the Middle East.
Opportunity
The MCC's head of cricket John Stephenson said: "It is a shame that Simon has had to pull out of the match, but I am very pleased to welcome Paul Muchall into the squad.
"One of MCC's key objectives is to provide a pathway into the professional game for talented young cricketers, and this represents another avenue for Paul to develop his game, and share a dressing room with some very experienced players.
"I am sure that Paul will be raring to get stuck in and make the most of the opportunity."
The match will take place under floodlights at the Zayed International Cricket Stadium from March 27-30.
Simon Jones
Muchall
