TAUNTON Deane CC left-arm spinner Jack Leach has been selected for a combined MCC Universities side to go on a joint pre-season training camp with the MCC Young Cricketers squad in the UAE from March 17 to 28.

The ten day tour will help Leach, who is a member of the Cardiff MCC Universities squad, to prepare for the 2012 season.

The MCCU combined side is selected from the six MCCU centres, and was chosen based on performances during the 2011 season.

Leach is included following an excellent summer last year, and with a glowing recommendation from Cardiff MCCU Head Coach, Kevin Lyons.

In addition to training in the world class facilities available at the Zayed International Cricket Stadium (used during England’s recent series against Pakistan), Leach will have the opportunity to test his skills against experienced professional county opposition, when the MCCU side takes on 2009 County Championship winners, Durham, in a 40 over clash at The Sevens Cricket Ground in Dubai.

The MCCU team will also compete against the MCC YCs in a mix of Twenty20, 40 over and three-day cricket on the new Nursery Ground at the Zayed Stadium during the eleven day tour.

Commenting on the international pre-season training camp, MCC’s Head of Cricket, John Stephenson, said: “Congratulations to Jack on his selection for the MCC Universities combined squad. "Last season was a superb year for the MCCU scheme, and competition for places was extremely high – so he should be very pleased.

“The pre-season tour to the UAE demonstrates MCC’s ongoing commitment to the development of young cricketing talent. "The match against Durham – one of the strongest sides in county cricket – will provide a tough test, but will present all the players with an opportunity early in the season to showcase their talent on a big stage.”

MCC Head Coach and former England all-rounder, Mark Alleyne, will be looking after the YCs squad, while his predecessor and former England Test match batsman, Clive Radley, will be taking charge of the combined MCCU side.