BUCKS fans will get a chance to watch The Prince of Port of Spain in action in September, when Brian Lara leads out a team of all stars at Wormsley.

Lara, arguably the most talented batsman to ever play the game, will captain a select XI against former Warwickshire teammates in a charity match raising money for the first international standard stadium to build in Rwanda.

Former England Ashes winning captain Andrew Strauss, former England women’s captain Clare Connor and Ashley Giles are also expected to play.

But Lara is the big draw.

He played in 131 Tests and 299 One Day Internationals, scoring 22,358 runs, and holds a number of batting records.

His 501 not for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994 is a first class record, while ten years later he set a new Test record with 400 not out against England at Antigua.

He was twice named Wisden Cricketer of the Year and in 2012 was inducted to the ICC Hall of Fame.

His links with Rwanda date back to 1994, when he enjoyed his best ever year at the same time as the country suffered the genocide that killed a million people.

He said: “I’ve seen the enthusiasm for the game in Rwanda, and there is plenty of natural talent.

“ It’s vital that we support the Rwandan Cricket Association in harnessing that talent as we believe sport can help build the incredible progress the country has made in the last 20 years. “The stadium will create a lasting legacy for the game in this wonderful country.”

The national Rwanda cricket team made its debut in 2004 but there is not a single first class pitch in the country.

The new stadium, to be built in the capital of Kigali, is hoped to be ready to stage it’s first match in September 2015.

To date, the Rwanda Cricket Stadium Foundation has raised £390,000 of its £600,000 target.

Adult tickets for the match cost £15 with hospitality packages also available.

Email events@rcsf.org.uk or mark@wormsleycricket.co.uk or call 01283 260068.

http://www.rcsf.org.uk

@RwandaCricket