Skipper Daryl Mitchell will come up against a former room mate in England Test captain Alastair Cook when Worcestershire take on Essex in tomorrow's Specsavers County Championship clash at New Road.
Mitchell and Cook shared a room when both were part of the MCC squad for tour to Abu Dhabi in March 2015.
Cook admits that the pair of them "got on like a house on fire" and he has contributed an article on the happy liason in Daryl's 2016 benefit brochure.
He said: "If I said what do Mark Pettini and Daryl Mitchell have in common, then I doubt too many people would know the answer.
"But apart from both being short and stock (and very good players) they have been my only two room mates on tour!
"Mark and I have been friends for years and we have always roomed together for Essex but my latest room mate was acquired on the MCC tour to Abu Dhabi in 2015.
"Having not shared with anyone else for over 12 years, I was slightly concerned about it when I found out.
"What happened if he snored, or was a tidy freak, or was a massive Star Wars fan. I shouldn't have worried.
"It was a brilliant trip and we got on like a house on fire. Obviously playing against Mitch for almost 15 years going back to our second team days, we would always say hello on the circuit without really getting to know each other.
"But in those 10 days we made up for lost time! We even went shopping together!"
Cook added: Benefits are designed for players like Mitch, people who put their heart and soul into a club and turn out performances over and over again for their side.
"I really hope people support Daryl as much as they can and that you have a fantastic benefit year. It was a pleasure to be your room mate!"
Copies of Daryl's benefit brochure can be obtained from the Supporters' Association Shop at the back of the Basil D'Oliveira Stand for a donation of £5.
