Graveney played in 79 Tests for England

The 76-year-old, who scored almost 48,000 first-class runs during his career, will hold the post for a year.

Graveney, the uncle of England's current chairman of selectors David, won 79 Test caps.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be serving as president of MCC. It's the most famous, as well as the most active, cricket club in the world," he said.

"I first played at Lord's more than half a century ago, but I can't recall a time when there was so much going on at the ground.

"From the multi-million pound Pavilion refurbishment project to the development of the country's first portable pitches, it's a truly fascinating time to become club president."

The changes at Lord's will also see Rachel Heyhoe-Flint join the MCC committee, the first woman to hold office in the club's history.

"It is a tremendous honour, and I am indebted to everyone who voted for me," she said.

Female members were only allowed in 1999, ending a 212-year men only rule.

She is one of four new members of the committee.

Mike Griffith, John Fingleton and Andrew Beeson will also join, replacing Phil Edmonds, David Faber, Robert Griffiths and John Major.