ENGLAND stars of the future visit Radlett when an unprecedented summer programme of professional cricket starts at Cobden Hill. On Tuesday, the England Under-19 side face a Middlesex XI in a two-day match

ENGLAND'S stars of the future visit Radlett when an unprecedented summer programme of professional cricket starts at Cobden Hill.

On Tuesday, the England Under-19 side face a Middlesex XI in a two-day match, and on Friday the two teams meet again in a 50-overs match. There is free admission and parking for spectators. The England side could contain Steve Finn against his Middlesex colleagues if he is released from first team training. The tall, Watford-based fast bowler is eligible for his third year at this level. Middlesex will almost certainly be selecting the Radlett all-rounder Gareth Berg, who signed a one-year contract this season, for an appearance at his home club.

The most prestigious match since Allan Border's Australians played at Radlett 15 years ago takes place on Aug 5-7 when Ireland play the MCC in a three-dayer, the ground's maiden first-class match.

MCC Young Cricketers and Middlesex Second XI are scheduled to play a combined total of seven three-day championship games this summer, plus a couple of one-day games. Hertfordshire play Norfolk in a Minor Counties Championship three-dayer on July 6-8.

Radlett's own campaign for the Home Counties League title, under new captain Shane Burger, begins on Saturday, May 10, when they host High Wycombe. They have six warm-up matches arranged, starting with Farnham Royal at Cobden Hill on Saturday, April 19. The club's four Hertfordshire League sides start on Saturday, May 3.

Outdoor training begins at the ground on Tuesday evening, and any prospective non-overseas player wanting a no-obligation trial should telephone Charles Randall on 07770 382127 for more information.