THE most famous cricket stars in the world look set to come to hit Bolton for six -- in support of the town's Coronary Care Appeal.
Brian Lara, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh and Wasim Akram are among the household names who could face an amateur local team in a charity match being held in the summer.
The big names are all signed to Maidstone-based Lashings Cricket Club, which plays charity matches, as well as competitive games.
The all-star squad will face a team from the Bolton Area CSSC Sports and Leisure Club -- who are people who work for Government departments and agencies.
Organisers cannot guarantee which of the well-known Lashings players will appear at Bolton Cricket Club on Friday August 8, but it is hoped the team's biggest names will turn up to secure a bumper crowd.
A spokesman for the Coronary Care Appeal, which is aiming to raise £1.3 million to build a new heart unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "We are delighted at the effort being put in by the two clubs and we hope that we will get a good celebrity turn out and plenty of people will come and watch."
David Folb, chairman of Lashings CC, joking about the wealth of talent in his side, said: "People had better get their tickets and get there early.
"If we win the toss it could be over very quickly."
The Bolton team members claim they are not intimidated by the opposition and are looking forward to the event.
Michael Mainin, chairman of the Bolton Area CSSC, said: "This will be a great opportunity to showcase the talent we have within CSSC Sports and Leisure.
"We aim to provide a marvellous family day out for all with local lads pitting their wits against the world's best.
"I know that the Bolton public will support this splendid local cause."
The Bolton Evening News-backed Coronary Care Appeal now stands at just more than £900,000 - £400,000 short of the total needed for the 10-bed unit.
The first patients could be treated by Christmas.
Brian Lara is a former West Indies captain with 190 one day caps and test caps. He holds the highest test score of 375 runs.
Pakistan star Wasim Akram has 319 one day caps and 102 test caps. He is described as one of the all time greats.
Shane Warne and Mark Waugh have both been major stars in the Australian team for many years.
Tickets for the match are priced at £4 for adults and £2 for pensioners and children. They can be purchased from Terry Farrington on 01204 406605, by post from the Appeal Office, Bolton Coronary Appeal, Davenport house, Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Bolton, BL4 0JR or in person from Cricket World, 196 Belmont Road, Bolton. Cheques should be made payable to the Bolton Area CSSC Sports and Leisure.
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