The Jersey Side by Side Twenty20 match features a side comprising former England test players plus ex-Sri Lankan captain Aravinda de Silva.
He was due to be joined by record breaking spinner Muttiah Muralitharan but he has had to return home to Sri Lanka because his son is unwell.
Murali has also been forced out of a game against Pakistan at the Oval on Monday, but organiser Wayne Gallichan says a great cricket match still lies ahead for local fans.
‘Although disappointing that Murali is unable to play because of the illness to his son, the chance to see an all time great batsmen in Aravinda de Silva play in Jersey is very exciting.
Aravinda is acknowledged as the greatest batsman to have played for Sri Lanka and one of the most entertaining and enthusiastic batsmen ever to have graced the game.’ De Silva was Wisden’s Cricketer of the year in 1996, and the highlight of his career was a match winning century against Australia in the World Cup Final in 1996.
Yesterday he was playing in Andrew Flintoff’s benefit match and has been a regular member of the Sky commentary team this summer.
‘I am certain that he will provide great entertainment and his infectious enthusiasm for the game will be a pleasure to see,’ said Wayne.
‘The old England players, some of whom still play good standard club cricket, will not have played much, if any, Twenty/20 cricket.
‘They are very much looking forward to playing in Jersey and trying their hand at this type of cricket.
Gladstone Small, who has visited the Island before, will no doubt be enjoying himself while I am sure that David Capel will be trying to hit every ball out of the ground.
The day promises to be spectacular and will provide much fun for everyone, especially the youngsters who have really taken to the game in recent years.’ Admission to the game – which begins at midday – is free and it being preceded by an under-10s exhibition game.
The full line-ups for the two teams are: England/Sri Lanka: Aravinda de Silva, John Lever, Keith Fletcher, Bill Athey, Gladstone Small, Mark Ilott, David Capel, Clive Radley and Peter Such.
They are joined by Naveed Rafique of sponsors PricewaterhouseCoopers and Jon Giles of Rathbones.
JICC: Nigel Crocker (captain), Ian Crocker, Tom Minty, Bobby Minty, Peter Blackburn, Andy Brown, Richard Gomersall, Peter Scott, Danny Bertram, Mark Reynolds and Carl Moyse.
