Lightcliffe all-rounder Charlie Roebuck is among four Leeds-Bradford MCC University players who have travelled with the Combined MCCU squad today on their pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

All-rounders Andy Laws and Will Vanderspar will join Roebuck and wicket-keeper Charlie MacLeod on the Middle East trip.

The squad's first game will be a day-night 50-over clash against the MCC Young Cricketers at the Zayed Stadium on Sunday.

They will then play a three-day game against the Young Cricketers before meeting them once more in a Twenty20 clash a week tomorrow.

The squad will also have the opportunity to test themselves against county opposition in 50-over matches against Sussex and Lancashire on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 respectively.

MCC Universities' coach Clive Radley, who is travelling with the squad, said: “This is a great chance for our young MCCU players to play in difficult conditions against some of the country’s best players, and I’m confident they’ll give a good account of themselves.

“These boys from Leeds-Bradford MCCU thoroughly deserve to be part of the squad and I’m looking forward to seeing them develop their skills further on this tour.

"They have a big seasons ahead, including more games for Leeds-Bradford MCCU against county teams, so this tour will prepare them very well I’m sure.”

Since 2005, MCC has funded six university cricket academies in England and Wales – the MCC Universities (MCCUs).

The MCCUs are based in Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Leeds, Loughborough and Oxford, and incorporate a total of 13 institutions.

They offer hundreds of courses for students of all academic levels, and some of the best coaching and facilities available anywhere in the country.

The aim of the MCCUs is to give talented young cricketers the chance to receive top-level coaching and playing opportunities while furthering their education.