OLD Basing Cricket Club have pulled off the signing of the summer, with the news former England and Hampshire star Shaun Udal set to play for them this season.

It is a tremendous coup for the village side, who play in the Hampshire League and will be the first international cricketer to play for them in their 200-year history.

The 47-year-old is really excited to be able to pull on the whites again and play for a club which is within walking distance of his home.

It will also give him the opportunity to past him his years of experience playing with the best in the game including the likes of Shane Warne.

Last year, Udal was forced to watch from the sidelines and spent time at Old Basing, for who his daughter’s boyfriend Greg Donaldson plays for.

Donaldson is the vice-captain for this season’s Hampshire League campaign, with Darren Turner the new club captain.

A major neck operation over the winter has enabled Udal to play again, but it is likely to be more batsman this summer for the team.

He is also going to get involved with the coaching of the thriving Old Basing Colts.

Udal said: “Old Basing have been really good to me and I can walk down to the ground which is great and there is a playground at the ground for my son Jack.

“I really missed the banter of the dressing room, so it is great to be back and I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge to the younger players.

“I am really looking forward to what for me is a new challenge.”

New Old Basing chairman Paul Eckersley said: “We are absolutely delighted that Shaun has chosen to play for Old Basing Cricket Club, not only for his undoubted talent but for his experience at the highest level, knowledge of the game, and passion that he brings to the club.

“Shaun intends to support the development of our junior cricketers through direct involvement and will play an important part in the future success of the club.

“This is a truly exciting start to the 2016 season and we cant wait to get underway!”

Udal played four Tests for England finally making his debut at the age of 36 in 1994 in Pakistan.

He was then called up for the final match of the series in India in 2005 and produced a stunning 4-14 in the final afternoon which included the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar as England squared the series.

He also played 10 One-Day internationals between 1994-95 making his debut at the same time as Darren Gough.

Having been born in Cove, Udal started his first class career with home county Hampshire in 1989.

He was awarded his county cap in 1992 and was the Hampshire Society Player of the Year in 1993 and 2002.

The high spot of his career with his home county came in 2005, when he took over the captaincy, while Warne played in the Ashes and was skipper for their Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy triumph at Lords.

He finished his first class career playing for Middlesex.

l Hampshire start their County Championship Division One campaign on Sunday (11am), when Warwickshire are the visitors to the Ageas Bowl.