TWO teams are getting ready for a truly historic cricket match.

Witley Court is hosting an 18th Century game complete with Georgian era rules and costumes, which include tight breeches to the knee with long stockings and white frilly shirts.

Underarm bowling, curved bats and two stumps instead of three were also common.

There was no LBW rule or boundaries and the wearing of pads was even considered unmanly.

Match organiser Julian Humphrys gave a pre-match lesson to John Banner, captain of John Banner's International All Stars Charity Cricket Team, and John Reynolds, from the over 50s side, The Fossils, on Thursday.

John Banner, whose team raises thousands of pounds for charity each year, said they are looking forward to the event.

"It should be fun and an opportunity to raise more money - and we don't much care what we look like."

The match - against an English Heritage XI - starts at 2pm on Sunday July 27, and is part of a day of activities, which includes stalls, crafts and side-shows. Admission is £6 for adults, £5 for concessions, £4 for children, £16 for a family ticket - two adults and up to three children and half price for English Heritage members.