Merv Hughes in county date

Wednesday 1st July 2009, 12:14PM BST

One of the most recognisable cricketers in the history of Australian cricket is heading to Shropshire during the Ashes summer.

Former Australian paceman and current selector Merv Hughes will be guest speaker at a sportsman’s dinner at St Georges Cricket Club on Tuesday, August 4.

Hughes, who took more than 200 Test wickets, joins a long list of established cricket stars to speak at St Georges dinners, including Sir Garfield Sobers, Richard Hadlee, Geoff Miller and Alec Stewart.

“We have quite a good contact who can get us some of the top names in cricket and it will be great to have Merv here during an Ashes series,” said spokesman Carl Ward.

There will also be a comedian with tickets, to include a four-course meal, priced at £50 and available from Colin Thomas on 01952 405541 or Stan Higgins on 01952 612816.