CAPTAIN Gareth Walls says Mudeford are “looking forward” to facing former international Alan Mullally – who was once ranked the second best one-day bowler in the world.

Mullally, capped 69 times by England, has agreed to turn out for Swan Green against Mudeford thirds in their Hampshire League Division Three encounter in Lyndhurst tomorrow.

Swan Green’s ground, one of the New Forest’s most unique settings, includes three oak trees and a manhole cover and is a world away from the venues where Mullally played 19 Tests and 50 one-day internationals.

Mullally will line up for Swan Green in an attempt to help raise the profile of the ailing club which is under threat having scratched their first two fixtures this season due to a dearth of players. They are one forfeit from exiting the league.

Mudeford skipper Walls, 21, who will be joined in the visitors’ team by younger brother Liam, 17, and 49-year-old father Richard, told the Daily Echo: “I think it is great to have something like this at this level and it is a great opportunity for the team.

“As captain, thinking about our season as a whole, we could have done without a game against one of the lower sides where they can play an ex-international but, whatever the outcome, I’m looking forward to what will be a great day.

“Hopefully, a lot of people will turn up to watch and the media interest is great because we don’t want to see clubs folding.

“My dad can’t wait. He was down to open the batting but he now says he wants to bat number nine so he doesn’t have to face his bowling!”