RICHIE Richardson, Chris Cairns and Greg Blewett will just be a few of the international cricket stars who will taking to the field against Usk later this month to compete in a historic match to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary.

Billed as 'the world's greatest cricket club side' this is the first time that the star studded line-up of Lashings World XI will visit Wales to take on a club side.

Currently sitting third in the South Wales premiership the players of Usk CC are preparing to put themselves on the line as they contest against the might and talent of world famous names in the biggest sporting challenge of their lives.

Although Usk's chances of causing an upset are slim against a team that reads like a who's who of world cricket, the game proves to be a enthralling spectacle, and as Usk's chairman Tony Kear enthused, "We wanted to celebrate this very special anniversary with a unique event that both the club and local cricket enthusiasts would remember for a very long time.

"To have a side of the calibre of Lashings playing at Usk is a dream come true for everyone who has ever been associated with the club."

Kear added, "The day coincides with our President's (Sam YOrk) 90th birthday, and we could not have wished to have marked the day with a more spectacular array of cricketers doing what they do best on one of the finest grounds in South Wales."

Funds raised on the day will be split between charities supported by Lashings, and will also help to fund a state of the art three lane practice net facility for the rapidly increasing junior section at Usk.

Kear said, "The funds raised on the day will make a considerable contribution to our 150th anniversary legacy plans for first class practice facilities, which will help secure the long term future of our growing junior section as well as meaningful practices for our senior players."

The day itself is built around juniors, with four local U9 teams playing in a Kwik cricket tournament before the match, and winners of the Usk primary school 'design a mascot' competition will meet the Lashings players prior to the first ball being bowled.

The Lashings World XI squad confirmed for the match are:

Richie Richardson (captain) Henry Olonga Gordon Greenidge Hashim Amla Marvan Attapattu Chris Cairns Nantie Hayward Greg Blewett Rashid Latif Alvin Kallicharan (manager) Vasbert Drakes Phil Defreitas*

* Not yet fully committed, but if unavailable it is understood that replacements will possibly be either Brian Lara, Tino Best, or Viv Richards.

The event itself takes place on July 22. Gates will open at 11.30am, and the match will start at 2.30pm. Admission: Adults - £10.00, Concessions - £5.00 and Children U11-Free.