Dale and Dravid add firepower to MCC side

South African international Dale Benkenstein will captain a starstudded Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) side at next week’s Emirates Airline Twenty20 on March 22 at 7he Sevens.

The right handed batsman will line up alongside India’s former Test captain Rahul Dravid, adding substantial power to the side. Dravid, who only retired from international cricket last year, will also be joined by former England international Joe Denly.

Benkenstein represented South Africa in 23 one-day internationals and was named ‘Wisden Cricketer of the Year’ in 2009. He is T20 captain of Durham County Cricket Club and is a prolific run-maker, having scored over 15,500 first class runs at an average of 45, and 38 centuries with a top knock of 259.

Benkenstein is also regarded as a talented fast bowler, having captured 100 wickets.

“Benkenstein is a great addition to the MCC side,” said Matthew Jackson, managing director of Sport Arabia. “It’s going to be a great day for fans to watch some top-notch cricket by players of this calibre.”

Tickets to the event are Dh15, and children under 12 are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Seating is on the grass banks, so fans are encouraged to bring blankets and umbrellas.

Tickets are available at the Promoseven Sports Marketing office in the Emarat Atrium Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, and will also be on sale the day at 7he Sevens.

A free shuttle bus service will leave every 30 minutes from the car park in front of Lulu Supermarket in Karama and from the parking lot in front of Ponderosa restaurant adjacent to the Dnata building in Deira.

The first shuttle bus will leave at 9am and will continue until 2pm. Return services from 7he Sevens will run from 9.30am and continue until 6pm.

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