GIGGLESWICK School cricket coach and former international player, Ashen Silva, is bringing an all-star Sri Lankan team to Settle to play an invited side of local players and ex-pros.

Silva, who joined the leading Northern independent school this year to help improve cricketing skills in both the girls’ and boys’ games, has invited 11 current first class Sri Lankan players, including former internationals, to face an invited Chairman’s XI in the fundraiser, to be held at Settle Cricket Club on July 12.

Silva said: “I am delighted to bring a high quality Sri Lankan side to Settle Cricket Club, where I am also the club professional and coach for this season and very grateful to Giggleswick School for supporting me in this event.

“Spectators at the match can expect to see first class players in action, including Thikshila de Silva, Sachithra Serasinghe and Anjelo Jayasinghe, all currently pros at Lancashire clubs.”

The event is also an opportunity to celebrate Sri Lankan culture and authentic food will be served during the game.

Silva, 28, was a member of the Sri Lankan test squad during the Bangladesh tour in 2013 following a season in the A team.

A successful 2012 season by the left-handed opening batsman saw him become the second highest run scorer in domestic first class cricket, amassing 915 runs in nine games.

This led to selection for the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI for a warm-up game against England, a side which then featured the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Johnathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar.

Silva said: “It was a memorable day for me as I scored 66 runs against that opposition as a 21-year-old, which made both myself and my family very proud.”

Silva is now passing on his passion for cricket to Giggleswick pupils and he is impressed with the talent, facilities and the opportunities for improvement which the school provides.

Silva explained: “There is no better place to play cricket and learn than Giggleswick. The school has superior, first class facilities which is such a bonus.

“Not many schools have indoor facilities for when it rains – which is obviously very useful in the English summer.

“I’ve worked with the school’s cricketers for a few weeks now and there is a lot of potential there. Girls’ cricket is a focus going forward and there are some extremely talented players who are sure to continue to impress.”

The match starts at 6.15pm and will also feature a raffle, auction and live music followed by a disco.

Entry to the match is by donation at the gate and Silva is giving a percentage of the profits to Settle Cricket Club and Macmillan Cancer Support.