MCC's world cricket committee has proposed the opening of two windows in the international cricket calendar to accommodate the Indian Premier League (IPL).

At the fifth meeting of the auspicious 18-man committee, it was suggested that a couple of three-week periods be put aside to allow the world's best players to balance playing for their country with the reaping the financial rewards of the IPL.

The current concern is the prospect of the world's top cricketers retiring early to cash in on 20-over tournaments.

The International Cricket Council has been urged to make provision for all forms of the game to co-exist due to the popularity of the shortest form in India and beyond.

Meanwhile selectors have named an unchanged side for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.

Matthew Hoggard has been left out of the side. Andrew Flintoff remains hopeful for inclusion in the summer in spite of doubts over a lingering ankle injury.

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