Christopher Martin-Jenkins will be the first career journalist to deliver the Cowdrey Lecture when he gives his speech on Monday 16 July at Lord’s. Martin-Jenkins, the Test Match Special commentator and The Times correspondent, will be the seventh Lecturer. Previous lecturers have all been former international cricketers, including Richie Benaud, Sunil Gavaskar and Martin Crowe.

Keith Bradshaw, the MCC Secretary & Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Christopher Martin-Jenkins has accepted the invitation. He has vast knowledge of the cricket world acquired during his 40 years as a journalist and broadcaster, and I am greatly looking forward to hearing his views on the world game in a different forum. The Cowdrey Lecture has proved to be a popular fixture in the Lord’s calendar, and I am sure that this year will be no exception.”