VIV RICHARDS, one of the finest batsmen of all time, will play in Maidstone this summer.

Sir Viv, the Antiguan who dominated cricket of the 1970s and 80s, will turn out twice for the star-studded Lashings team.

David Folb, the chief executive of Lashings, said Sir Viv would play for Lashings against the Eton Ramblers on July 23 and against Mark Ealham’s England XI on August 18.

Both matches are taking place at The Mote at Maidstone.

Richards, now 51, is chairman of selectors of the West Indies cricket team and a good friend of several Caribbean players already signed up for Lashings.