It is one of the world's oldest cricket clubs and is by far the most famous.

MCC is based at Lord's cricket ground in north London - considered cricket's hallowed turf.

Originally the club took responsibility for cricket throughout the world.

However it relinquished control of the game in the UK in 1968 and the International Cricket Council was established in 1993.

MCC does still own Lord's and remains the guardian of the laws and aims to safeguard the spirit of the game.

It also aims to promote the game to young people - both male and female - around the world.

Last year, the club's teams played almost 500 matches, including numerous overseas tours to nations as diverse as Slovenia and South Africa.

Celebrity members

They are 22,000 MCC members around the world - and they read like a version of Who's Who.

Many former Test stars are members, including Richie Benaud, Sir Viv Richards, Ian Botham and David Gower.

Celebrity members include lyricist Tim Rice (who is the current president), former Prime Minister John Major, rock star Mick Jagger, Jeffrey Archer, and chat show host and journalist Michael Parkinson.

Since 1999, women have been allowed to become members.

However if one wants to become a full member, there is an 18-year waiting list.