FROM honing his skills on a Dorset village green to bowling at one of the most destructive batsmen in cricket history, it would be quite a transition for Mark House.

But the Bournemouth all-rounder is relishing the prospect of trying to contain legendary big-hitter Shahid Afridi – even though he admits he will be hoping for the best when he begins his run-up.

House, 23, has been named in the Dorset team to take on a star-studded Hampshire at Dean Park on Monday.

The Royals have included a number of international players in a talented 15-man squad for the Twenty20 friendly clash (2.30pm).

Among them is Afridi, nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’ for his explosive batting style.

While House learned the game with Pamphill Green-based Kingston Lacy and combines his Bournemouth and Dorset commitments with his day job as a project controller, Afridi is one of the sport’s superstars.

The Pakistan all-rounder holds the record for the fastest One-Day International century, which he smashed off just 37 deliveries in 1996, and has more than 7,000 runs and 350 wickets to his name in international limited-overs matches.

Asked if he had a plan for the prospect of bowling at his famous counterpart, House joked: “No, I just think I’m going to be hoping for the best! I will bowl in my areas, stick to my plans and go from there.”

He continued: “I hope they bring some spare balls with them. He is known for smashing it out of the park so they may need a few!

“All we can do is our best and see how we get on. It will be an experience for us so we can only learn from it.”

House, who is in his first full season in the Dorset senior set-up, says he is feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement about facing Hampshire’s big guns.

He added: “You are excited to be playing against some of the best players to have played the game but also a bit nervous that the ball is coming down at you at 90 miles per hour!”

Other Hampshire players named in the visitors’ squad include Michael Lumb, Neil McKenzie, Dimi Mascarenhas, Dominic Cork and Simon Jones. Dorset have selected 12 players, all of whom will play a part.

Ticket prices are £50 for a school or club ticket (two adults and 10 children), £20 for a family ticket (two adults and two children), £10 for adults and £5 concessions.

Dorset CCC members can gain free entry on production of their membership card.

Tickets can be obtained by contacting 01202 881349 or via Dorset CCC secretary Barry Lewis on 01258 472282.

Meanwhile, Dorset have made five changes for tomorrow’s MCCA Trophy clash against Bedfordshire at Dunstable. They must win to stand a chance of progressing in the competition.

Dorset (v Beds): N Park, Mole, Jones, Lawrence, Waller, C Park, Wolstenholme, Hicks, Metcalfe, Denham, Wilson. 12th man: House.

Dorset (v Hants): N Park, Mole, Treagus, Lawrence, Cowley, House, Watkins, C Park, Wolstenholme, Hicks, Metcalfe, Denham.

Hants: (from) Adams, Howell, Lumb, Afridi, Tahir, McKenzie, Mascarenhas, Cork, Pothas, Briggs, Vince, Wood, Dawson, Myburgh, Jones.