The MCC v the County Champions has been played at Lord's since 1902 but this year breaks with tradition to incorporate pink balls and floodlights at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi
This year's match sees the launch of the pink ball in first-class cricket, aimed at being visible for use in day/night matches rather than the white ball, which was prone to discolouring
Former England seamer Jon Lewis makes an unsuccessful lbw appeal against Kyle Coetzer, and despite an economical early spell cannot dislodge the Durham openers
MCC seamer Tim Murtagh tests the new pink ball outside the off-stump but the evergreen Michael di Venuto negotiates the delivery with ease as the Duham openers share a century partnership
Coetzer has less of the strike than his partner but plays a fine supporting role and reaches a patient fifty as the stand reaches 181
Di Venuto has the distinction of becoming the first centurion of the new season as he strikes 20 fours and a six in an entertaining 131
The floodlights begin to take an effect but cause no problems for Durham as they pile on the runs in Abu Dhabi
Moonlit action from the Sheikh Zayed Stadium as Durham advance to 329-3 at the close of play with Coetzer unbeaten on 123.
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