On Saturday afternoon, star-studded MCC and Rest of World sides will take to the Lord's field in a fifty over fixture as part of the ground's Bicentenary celebrations.
Nottinghamshire captain Chris Read will represent the MCC in the showpiece fixture, in an eleven boasting hugely talented players both present and past.
“It’s a massive honour,” he said.
“The calibre of player involved in the MCC match is hugely exciting. There are a couple of heroes of mine involved.
“In fact, there aren’t many players I’m not excited to be playing with or against.
“On the MCC side we have two of the finest batsmen in our generation in Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, while the two best spinners are in the other.
“Sachin Tendulkar has always been a prodigious talent, while Brian Lara set the world alight with his batting. It’ll be a privilege to play alongside them.”
Read will be joined by fellow Nottinghamshire man Peter Siddle in the match, lining up for the rest of the world alongside former Outlaw Kevin Pietersen, two players he will relish playing against.
“It’s great to have Peter involved,” he said.
“He’s offered us a lot while he’s been in and around Trent Bridge, and he’ll be excellent for the Rest of World.
“You know you’re always in for a tough battle when you come up against Kevin, having to captain a side against him when he would play for Surrey was always a challenge.”
Organised to celebrate Lord’s 200th anniversary, the 50-over match will be take place on Saturday afternoon. Despite the fixture’s celebratory nature, Read insisted that the match will be hotly contested.
“The value of the game will be interesting,” said Read.
“Obviously it takes in players who are still playing now, alongside some who’ve been retired for quite some time.
“But all of those individuals are hugely talented, and have played lots of cricket at the highest level, and it’ll be incredibly competitive.
“Either way, it’ll be an excellent showpiece for cricket.”