Derek Randall, arguably the most popular player ever to play cricket for Nottinghamshire, is set to make a sentimental return to Trent Bridge.

The former England star has signed up to play in the Masters Cricket fixture against Australia as part of the appetising Weekend of Legends on Sunday July 1.

And waiting to greet him when he takes guard will be his old Aussie adversary Jeff Thomson, who was renowned for his fearsome new-ball partnership with Dennis Lillee and is still officially the fastest bowler in the world.

"It's going to be a fantastic weekend and I can't wait for it to come around," said Randall. "I've got so many great memories of Trent Bridge - and taking on the Aussies - and I'm sure they will all come flooding back."

Randall, who will be joined in the England side by former Notts wicket-keeper Bruce French, retired from playing Minor Counties cricket last season after achieving an ambition.

"I always wanted to play until I was 50 and just about made it," he added. "My knees have gone and my eyes aren¹t what they used to be. Maybe I'm better at mid-off than in the covers these days but there's still a bit of life left in the old dog."

The programme for the Legends weekend kicks off on the Friday June 29 with a Golf Tournament and Gala Dinner, which will feature Chris Cowdrey and Dermot Reeve - as well as Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Richard Hadlee - among the speakers.

Then, before the Masters clash, the Saturday fixture will see world stars like Shaun Pollock and Shoaib Akhtar lining up in the Sir Richard Hadlee v Sir Garfield Sobers Invitation XIs.

Tickets are currently on sale at Trent Bridge and Double Match Tickets, which cover both days, are available from only £20.

© CricInfo Ltd.