TWO former Test match batsmen headlined a wonderful evening’s cricket as Lashings All-Stars brought top level action to Bournemouth on a sun-kissed day at Chapel Gate.

Usman Afzaal, who featured for England in three Ashes contests in 2001, unfurled a series of glorious strokes to compile a dashing half-century against a home Invitational XI, a feat matched by Kirk Edwards, the West Indian opener with two Test hundreds under his belt.

The hosts failed to chase down the 202 target set them by the visiting galacticos, despite a dazzling 50 from Bournemouth batsman and man of the match Luke Matthews.

But the outcome mattered little on a day when the likes of ex-India opening batsman Wasim Jaffer, Tino Best, the irrepressible Bajan superstar, and John Emburey, a veteran of 64 Test matches for England, brought their wares to Dorset.

The fundraising T20 game was staged in aid of Macmillan Caring Locally, Bournemouth Cricket Club and The Lashings Foundation.

Bournemouth captain Chris Park – an enthused spectator on the day – said: “It was a great game and we had a really good turnout.

“The Lashings guys were fantastic and it was brilliant to see the club looking as good as it did. The hospitality lads were flying in the tent and, from every corner of the ground, I heard only positive things about the day.”