FIDEL Edwards is expected to make his Hampshire debut in the T20 friendly against Dorset on Bank Holiday Monday.

The West Indian fast bowler is due to arrive, three months earlier than originally planned, as Jackson Bird’s replacement on Sunday.

And 24 hours later he is set to play in the Jimmy Adams Benefit fixture, which is the highlight of the four-day Festival of Cricket at Dean Park.

Edwards, 33, is expected to make his first-class Hampshire debut against Yorkshire at Headingley and will also be playing for the county in the Natwest T20 Blast.

Hampshire played 343 matches at Dean Park from 1897-1992 and secured their last County Championship title there in 1973.

Gates open at 10am for Hampshire’s visit. Advance tickets £12, family ticket £25, seniors/juniors/students £6, U5s free).

Entry is free for the weekend’s other fixtures: Mayor’s XI v Dorset Ladies (6pm, Friday), Parley CC v Wimborne & Colehill CC (Dorset League, 1pm Saturday), Dorset CCC v Devon CCC (11am, Sunday).