MIKE Atherton, Mike Gatting, Darren Gough, David Lloyd and Michael Vaughan could all be playing in the Ipswich area later this season.

The Professional Cricketers’ Association England Masters XI will be sending a side to play at Ipswich Cricket Club in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. The match on Thursday, August 23 will see stars from England’s past face a team drawn mainly from Ipswich CC at the club’s Clay Hall ground off Old London Road, Copdock, just outside Ipswich.

The fixture is the brainchild of Ipswich CC member Rick Jones, after he saw a similar match on television.

“I was watching Sky Sports who were featuring a game between Grappenhall, a club in Cheshire, and a team arranged by Neil Fairbrother, the ex-Lancashire and England player.

“I thought that it looked like a good idea and so decided to call Neil Fairbrother, who works for an international sports management company. He put me in touch with the PCA, who have agreed to bring the team of England legends to Suffolk.”

Although names have yet to be confirmed, it is possible that Atherton, Gatting, Gough, Lloyd and Vaughan could be included in the team alongside the likes of Fairbrother, Dominic Cork, Phil DeFreitas, Dean Headley, Devon Malcolm, Paul Nixon and Gladstone Small.

The day will start at 11.15am with a junior coaching session involving four legends. There will then be a marquee luncheon with three of the legends taking part in a Q&A session plus an auction of memorabilia and a raffle.

Gates will open at 1pm, with organised events, including a speed bowling challenge and bowling machine, from 1.30pm. The match itself will take place from 3.30pm until 6.30pm and from 7pm there will be evening entertainment including a live band, hog roast and a barbecue.

Jones said it is also hoped to have some former Essex players present as well as show business celebrities.

He added: “We are hoping to have a good day and to raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and for club funds, and if we achieve all three we will be absolutely chuffed.”

Ticket availability is limited and enquiries should be made to Jones on 07807 760479. Booking enquiries should be made to Ambreen Fairburn on 07979 746503. Email enquiries can be made to england.legends@ipswichcricketclub.co.uk or for further details visit the website www.ipswich-legends.co.uk.