LASHINGS have announced that legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar will be joining their side for five guest appearances.

India's national hero, who is arguably the world's greatest living batsman, will add to a line-up that already includes Richie Richardson, Courtney Walsh, Aravinda de Silva, Chris Cairns, Tatenda Taibu and England's Ashes-winning captain Clare Connor.

Tendulkar said: "This is a great opportunity for me to get back into cricket, to get some batting practice, and help to raise money for charity.

"I get the chance to play alongside internationals players, but not in games where every run counts.

"The no pressure, relaxed environment of Lashings World XI will be a great way to work on my game and get back to match fitness."

David Folb, Lashings World XI chairman, said: "It is very kind of Sachin to lend us his services, whilst he is making his comeback from injury.

"With India being such a cricketing powerhouse, it is very exciting for us to have one of their biggest stars playing for us.

"We are committed to developing cricket at every level and in every sector of society and always endeavour to field the greatest and most diverse line-up.

"The unique thing about Lashings World XI matches is just how close spectator get to our cricketing stars.

"We hope that this will inspire even more people to pick up a bat and discover the game for themselves."

Lashings World XI squad: Richie Richardson, Vasbert Drakes, Jimmy Adams, Gordon Greenidge, Alvin Kallicharran, Courtney Walsh, Phil Simmonds (all West Indies), Phil DeFreitas, Clare Connor, Chris Lewis, Chris Cowdrey (all England), Chris Harris, Chris Cairns (both New Zealand), Henry Olonga, Tatenda Taibu (both Zimbabwe), Greg Blewett, (Australia), Nantie Hayward (South Africa) Aravinda de Silva, Russel Arnold (both Sri Lanka), Rashid Latif (Pakistan) and Sachin Tendulkar (India).

Sachin Tendulkar's guest appearances:

v Cambridge University Cricket Club, Cambridge, on Wednesday, June 21;
v Reigate Priory Cricket Club, Surrey, on Sunday, June 25;
v Middleton Cricket Club, West Sussex, on Sunday, July 2;
v Sparks Charity Invitation XI, Bank of England Ground, Roehampton, on Wednesday, July 5;
v Sutton Valence School, nr Maidstone, Kent on Thursday, July 6.

kmfm's Jamie Stephens spoke to David Folb after the news broke...