THE man said this would be the greatest day for English schools cricket, and he might be right, certainly for the 15 and 16 age group. MCC are to host a Bunbury English Schools Cricket Association representative match on the main ground at Lord’s on Sept 10.

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A Bunbury England Under-15 team play against an England Under-16 XI in a 50-over contest, celebrating 60 years of ESCA, an unsung band of volunteer schoolmasters who have brought cricket into countless young lives. The game has been arranged after talks by David English, a vice president of ESCA and creator of the Bunbury festival, and Keith Bradshaw, chief executive of the MCC.

English said: "This is certainly the greatest day for schools cricket in this country. When Keith Bradshaw approached me to offer Lord’s for a Bunbury England Under-15 game, I thought that nothing illuminated the Spirit of Cricket more than this gesture. It will have long-term benefits as these young cricketers will be involved for England for many years to come.

"Admission will for the match will be only £3 - £1.50 for concessions - and I hope we will see as many supporters at Lord’s as possible. It will be a great chance to support England’s future Test stars playing at the greatest cricket ground in the world – don’t miss it!"

Keith Bradshaw commented: "David English’s contribution to English schools’ cricket is legendary, and his enthusiasm for the game is contagious. MCC is pleased to help celebrate this milestone with ESCA and the Bunburys."

This year will mark the 22nd anniversary of the Bunbury ESCA festival, which goes to Cumbria on July 21-25. A staggering 49 former Bunburys have gone on to play cricket for England and 181 players have progressed into first class cricket. The England Ashes-winning side of 2005 contained nine former Bunburys, including Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff and Marcus Trescothick.

Representing the Bunbury ESCA Under-15 side is no mean feat. Cricketers who excel for their school or club are selected for their county; then they must impress regional selectors before being chosen to play at the Bunbury Festival, this year at Sedbergh School. The England Under 15 side will be selected based on performances at Sedbergh and will go on to play at Lord’s against last year’s Bunbury Under-15 team.