ANOTHER legend from the 2005 Ashes series will join a star-spangled team of former England players at Prestwich CC on Friday August 5th.
Simon Jones will line up alongside his Ashes team-mate Steve Harmison to play for the PCA England Masters in a T20 match against Prestwich’s current first team.
Jones played a heroic role in the series, taking 19 wickets in the first four Tests against Australia, although he was unable to play in the final match at Lords through injury.
He took 6 for 53 in the Old Trafford Test and followed it up with 5 for 44 at Trent Bridge.
Injury curtailed his international career, as he would surely have earned many more caps.
The full PCA team has been announced, after fearsome quickie Devon Malcolm, former Lancashire all-rounder Phil DeFreitas, and seam bowler Dean Headley were all confirmed to appear.
The PCA England Masters team now reads: Steve Harmison, Simon Jones, Neil Fairbrother, Devon Malcolm, Saj Mahmood, Phil DeFreitas, Owais Shah, Usman Afzaal, Richard Blakey, Alec Tudor, and Dean Headley.
Cricket Club Chairman Brian Lorenzini said: “It promises to be a fantastic spectacle, seeing so many players who have reached the top of the game performing on our doorstep.
“We are privileged to host the game to raise funds for grassroots cricket and the LCCC Flood Line Appeal.
“We really hope many cricket fans will come along to get a glimpse of what made these stars such well-known names in the sport.”
He added: “A bowling line-up of Harmison, Malcolm, Jones, Mahmood, Tudor, DeFreitas and Headley would strike fear into any batting team, so perhaps it’s best they’re not quite at their peak. However, I think our first team players will still be cranking up the bowling machine speed in preparation!”
The match starts at 4pm and admission is £5 per adult, with children free. Grandads Sausages will be providing refreshments.
The usual Friday practice for the club’s junior members will not be held in the evening. Instead, it will take place earlier in the day, from 11am to 12.30pm, with some of the ex-England players in attendance.
