Mike Gatting starts MCC role as world cricket committee chairman

Former England and Middlesex captain Mike Gatting has been named the new chairman of the MCC’s World Cricket Committee.

Gatting, who captained his country in 23 Test matches between 1986 and 1988, takes over the role from another former England captain in Mike Brearley.

New Zealand women's captain Suzie Bates, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena have also been added to the committee.

Former Ashes-winning captain Charlotte Edwards and Jimmy Adams, who played for the West Indies for nine years, have stepped down from the committee after five years.

"We're delighted to welcome the four new members who will all have a great deal to offer the committee," said Gatting.

"Suzie is well respected around the world as one of the leading women's players and will be able to give an insight into how to grow the game, particularly as a current player.

"Ian played with some of the biggest names that the West Indies have ever had in the game and having toured the globe as a commentator since retirement, he will be able to offer a view of the game as both a player and through the eyes of the media.

ECB considers Middlesex appeal

The ECB has confirmed it has begun to consider Middlesex's appeal against a two-point deduction which saw them relegated

"Kumar's experience as both an umpire and a player will be invaluable and as a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, will have first-hand experience of some of the global issues that are discussed in a committee.

"Shakib is the first Bangladeshi player to have joined the committee and has great experience of the world game across all formats, both domestically and internationally, and we look forward to his contributions along with the rest of the new additions."

Gatting was a member of the committee from 2006 until 2012 and will chair a meeting for the first time in January 2018 in Sydney.