A BUMPER crowd is expected as Old Basing Cricket Club take on a Lashings team full of former Test stars on Friday afternoon.

The t25 match is being held to celebrate the village club’s bicentenary and the day will also include a colts match.

Admission to the ground is free and gates open at midday, with the t25 match starting at 3pm.

Two years ago, Lashings made a visit to Old Basing and wowed a big crowd as they hit the ball to every corner of the ground, as well as posing for pictures and signing autographs.

The visitors once again have a strong team. They will be led by captain Phil DeFreitas, with the squad also including the likes of John Emburey, Devon Malcolm, Tino Best, Saqlain Mushtaq and Wasim Jaffer.

The club would like to thank the Champion Group for their generous support as matchday sponsor, and Absolutely Offices for their continued support as club sponsor.

Old Basing captain Dan Belcher said: “We are really excited to be playing against players of this calibre again.

“It is a great honour to be captain and I am sure the game will be very entertaining.”

Paul Eckersley, chair of the Lashings organising committee, said: “Building on the hugely successful inaugural event in 2013, we intend to make our 200th birthday one to remember.

“It will once again be an event for all, cricket fans, families, our local supporters, the village and the wider community as a whole.

“The day will provide the opportunity to meet and socialise with some of the greatest names to have played the game.

“We will also get the chance to watch them demonstrate their skills at Old Basing, which will no doubt provide lasting memories for everybody present.”