ONE of England's best-known former cricketers will be heading to Aston Ingham next week as the village club welcomes the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for the first time in its history.

Former England player and national selector Geoff Miller will be the guest speaker at Aston Ingham Cricket Club's 50th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, August 5, when the club takes on the MCC in a landmark fixture.

The match is expected to be one of the biggest occasions in Aston Ingham's history, with the visit of the MCC, founded in 1787 and based at Lord's, bringing one of cricket's most famous institutions to the village.

The club remains the custodian of the Laws of Cricket and continues to play representative fixtures across the UK and around the world.

Miller, who played 34 Test matches and 25 One Day Internationals for England before later serving as England's chief selector, will headline a three-course fundraising luncheon in aid of St Michael's Hospice.

He will be joined by master of ceremonies Guy Lavender, with further entertainment planned throughout the day.

The fixture forms part of Aston Ingham's year-long celebrations marking its 50th anniversary, with club officials inviting supporters and the wider community to be part of what promises to be a memorable occasion both on and off the field.

As well as watching the cricket, visitors will have the chance to enjoy the fundraising luncheon, with tickets priced at £50 per person or £450 for a table of 10.

Club officials said they hoped as many people as possible would come along to celebrate the milestone and help raise money for St Michael's Hospice while witnessing a rare appearance by an MCC side at a village ground.

Tickets for the luncheon remain available through the club's online booking page, while spectators are welcome to attend the match throughout the day.