Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones and Mark Ramprakash will grace Timperley Cricket Club for a spectacular Twenty20 contest to cap their ECB Club Open Day, with treasurer Dave Howarth hoping the event can inspire a new generation of stars.

On the recent tour of the West Indies, Lancashire paceman James Anderson broke Ian Botham’s record to become England’s all-time highest Test match wicket-taker – he has now taken 397 scalps.

Former Aussie paceman Jason Gillespie has garnered many plaudits for his work at Yorkshire, leading Joe Root and his White Rose teammates to the County Championship crown last year.

Around 50 clubs are predicted to sign up to the Greater Manchester cricket league initially, which will replace established leagues across the county and operate with a multi-division structure.

MCC Young Cricketers mentor and former England international Mark Alleyne says Ashton spinner Mohammad Abid is in the right place to develop as he looks to hone his skills and make his way to the professional game.

Former under-19 Lancashire representative Matt White, who currently plays for Loughborough MCCU and toured Abu Dhabi recently as part of the combined MCC Universities side, hopes to copy former England captain Andrew Strauss’ successful balancing of playing and studying simultaneously.

The MCC Young Cricketers rounded off a tour of Abu Dhabi with a 50-over outing against Sussex at the 20,000-capacity Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Mo Abid taking the crucial wicket of Michael Yardy in a memorable two-run win.

The Lancashire Cricket Board women’s cricket team has changed its moniker to LCB Thunder, in an attempt to increase media interest in the side following last season’s promotion.

This April marked the first time the women’s squad have joined their male counterparts at the pre-season media day at the club’s Old Trafford ground.

Siddle has been included in Australia’s Ashes squad for the summer, but Faulkner – who excelled in taking 3-36 in the World Cup final against New Zealand last month – will be available until the one-day series with England commences after the tests.

The former England international and one-day coach believes his squad are in a good place as they look to bounce back from relegation on the final day of last season.