SHOAIB Akhtar, arguably the world's fastest bowler, has been named in the World Xl to take on Worcestershire Royals in a Twenty20 challenge match at New Road on Monday, June 28.

The 28-year-old Pakistani lines up in a side captained by former England limited-overs skipper Adam Hollioake and joins fellow countrymen Saqlain Mushtaq and Azhar Mahmood in the team.

New Road director of cricket Tom Moody said: "Shoaib is one of the biggest draws in world cricket and it is great news that he will be lining up in what looks like being an incredibly strong World Xl. Our squad are under no illusions that they will be in for a real test."

Tickets for the match are already selling fast as Twenty20 cricket at the County Ground looks to be even more popular than last season's debut.

Tickets are priced at £8 for adults and £4 for children in advance, £10 and £5 on the day.

In addition to the World Xl match the Royals take on Gloucestershire Gladiators on Friday, July 2 and Glamorgan Dragons on Thursday, July 15.