The famous Marylebone Cricket Club will be visiting the Island for two weeks next year during a tour that will see them play seven matches.

Their visit will mark the first major incoming tour organised by the current executive of Bermuda Cricket Board of Control who, during their three-year reign under president El James, have concentrated on a rebuilding programme.

In confirming the MCC tour this week, James said that with the administration of cricket now more organised, the Board were happy to accommodate visiting teams.

"We are excited about hosting MCC, they will undoubtedly prove to be quality opponents for our senior national squad and help them in their build-up for the next ICC Trophy competition in Canada next year,'' said James.

The MCC touring party are due to arrive in Bermuda on May 15 and depart on May 29.

James noted that while the original intent of the tour was to give the senior squad a series of competitive matches, MCC had also agreed to have their players go into the schools to hold a number of clinics.

An umpire travelling with the squad has also agreed to hold seminars here with local officials of Bermuda Cricket Umpires' Association.

James said he was unable to reveal the names of any potential players in the touring party, but assured there would be a number of quality cricketers, including some household names.

He recalled that MCC had a long history of travelling with top notch players, noting that current England Test captain Nasser Hussain and batsman Mark Ramprakash were among those who had represented MCC.

"Their presence here will see a lot of people benefiting -- the players, the fans, the schools and the umpires,'' said James.

"It's great that they have agreed to go into the schools and put on a few clinics, and the fact that one of their umpires will be just as involved off the field of play is a tremendous boost for our cricket.'' Of future incoming tours, James added: "We will only look seriously in that direction if we feel that they are coming to play some serious cricket. We don't want to bring in a team after a long eight week tour (in the Caribbean) just to rest and relax. If we bring them here it will not be for exhibition cricket, we want a serious approach to competitive matches for our players and cricket fans.

"As far as this MCC visit is concerned we believe that it fits nicely into our plans. We think it's important leading up to the ICC tournament as it gives our senior team the opportunity to play against some top class opposition and see where we are prior to the tournament.

"We had to concentrate on rebuilding when we took over but the fact of the matter is that we just can't put all of our efforts into development. We have to look at what we have and keep other areas functioning. We have to keep the senior team going well because that's where those we are developing are going to go.

"It's our goal to do the best we can in the next ICC tournament because it could be one of the best chances to advance into the World Cup.'' James confirmed that top St. David's allrounder Glenn Blakeney has written a letter to the Board notifying his interest in rejoining the national squad for the forthcoming Regional Tournament in Canada and had now been cleared for training.