Tendulkar to captain Asia in Oval charity match

Tendulkar to captain Asia in Oval charity match
Julian Guyer

LONDON, JULY 8: Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has been confirmed as the captain of an Asia team that will play a Rest of the World team, led by England's Alec Stewart, at The Oval here on July 29. Proceeds from the match will go to the Oval trust, a charity responsible for a new museum at the headquarters of current county champions Surrey.

The Asia team also features India stars Mohammad Azharrudin and Anil Kumble as well as Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram. Surrey's Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq will also be playing together with fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

England captain Nasser Hussain will be playing for the Rest of the World and international team-mate Graham Thorpe, on his home ground, will be alongside him. Neil Johnson and Heath Streak, both members of the Zimbabwe squad participating in the triangular series here against England and the West Indies are set to be in the Rest of the World team.

But the big catch for their team is the appearance of Test wicket world record-holder Courtney Walsh, currently on tour in England with the West Indies. Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, currently playing county cricket with Hampshire.

The initiative for this match has come from former British Prime Minister John Major, now the President of Surrey. (AFP)

THE TEAMS

ASIA: Sachin Tendulkar (Ind, capt), Mohammad Azharrudin (Ind), Ajay Jadeja (Ind), Anil Kumble (Ind), Venkatesh Prasad (Ind), Robin Singh (Ind), Javagal Srinath (Ind), Wasim Akram (Pak), Shoaib Akhtar (Pak), Moin Khan (Pak, wkt), Saqlain Mushtaq (Pak), Saeed Anwar (Pak). Manager: Kapil Dev (Ind).

REST OF THE WORLD: Alec Stewart (Eng, capt and wkt), Nasser Hussain (Eng), Alan Mullally (Eng), Graham Thorpe (Eng), Michael Slater (Aus), Shane Warne (Aus), Courtney Walsh (WI), Nathan Astle (NZ), Chris Cairns (NZ), Neil Johnson (Zim), Heath Streak (Zim). MANAGER: Keith Medlycott (Eng)