Marylebone Cricket Club set off on tour on Sunday 2nd August when a squad of 13 flew to the island of Vis, off Croatia, to begin a whistle-stop tour.

We hear from the MCC's scorer in Croatia, Oliver Coddington, who sends his first match report:

Our first game was against the Croatia Development XI and proved (initially at least) to be a rather close affair.

MCC won the toss and choose to bat, a decision at 76 for 5 that might not have seemed to promising (especially as the locals talked about regular scores of 200-250 on the ground).

However the wise old head of Mike Strong managed to knock a quick fire 50 (off only 28 balls); eventually being dismissed for 78 off only 47 balls. He helped contribute to a seventh wicket partnership of 101 runs.

Coming in down the order Scott Corbett smashed another quick 50, finishing with 65 off 47 balls. MCC ended the innings on 280 for 8, which with the relatively short boundaries was certainly not out of reach for the Croatians batting second. (It should be noted that the old pros showed everyone how it should be done: Darren Bicknell being bowled on his second ball, leaving a straight one which hit middle about half way up; and Rob Turner added only 11 to the score – which was a smaller contribution than the 12 byes in the innings!

Croatia, batting second, started off much like MCC and were quickly 37 for 3. However the Croatian captain, Craig Sinovich hit the innings of the day and scored a well earned 116, his 100 coming off just 115 balls. Without his contribution the Croatians would have been struggling as extras was the second highest scorer. MCC’s bowling attack was opened by Simon Stanway and Strong, who both ended up with figures of 15 for 2.

The Croatians finished on 205 for 5, granting MCC the win by 75 runs.

Worryingly we hear the Croatian star batsman arrives on Wednesday, so the last two games of the week might be close run things!

From a sunny Croatia,

Oliver.