MCC's Young Cricketers programme - which has produced many Test stars (including Ian Botham) - is to include female players for the first time.

From 2003 onwards, the programme will be open to promising female players - giving them the opportunity to benefit from the same top-quality coaching, world-class facilities and extensive vocational training as their male counterparts.

MCC hopes that such players will be able to develop their match skills by appearing for its women's sides (which will play their 50th match in 2003), as well as other teams.

Commenting on the development, MCC's President, Sir Tim Rice, said:

"MCC women's teams play an increasingly important role in our annual cricket programme. In addition, a growing number of women are Full or Associate Members of the Club.

From 2003 onwards, I look forward to women players becoming MCC Young Cricketers, and benefiting from the wonderful opportunities which the scheme offers.

It will give them a great chance to develop their skills. I'm sure it will be only a matter of time before the first female Young Cricketer plays for the full England team. That will be a very proud moment in the long history of MCC."

The most recent MCC Young Cricketer to have been called up by England is Rikki Clarke, who was in the national squad for the recent ICC Champions Trophy tournament in Sri Lanka.

© MCC