FORMER international spinner Enamul Haque will make his long-awaited debut as Northop Hall debut as Ainsdale visit Smithy Lane tomorrow.

Haque played 15 Tests for Bangladesh over a 10-year period, starting against England in 2003, as well as making 10 One-Day International appearances for his country.

That shows the level of ability the left-arm spinner, who can count Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Marcus Trescothick amongst his 44 Test scalps, has, and Hall director of cricket Dave Kennedy can’t wait to see the 32-year-old in action.

“It’s going to be great,” said Kennedy. “His reputation proceeds him and his stats in the game are very, very good despite having bowled against some of the best batsmen in the world.

“I’m convinced he’s going to be very, very good for us, and if he lives up to his credentials then it’s going to be a fantastic season for us.”

Haque will be thrust straight into action having arrived in the UK last night, with Ben Slater and Carwyn Johnson in-line to return for Hall against a dangerous Ainsdale.

The visiting side are top of Liverpool Competition Division One after securing a four-wicket success over Fleetwood Hesketh on the opening day of the season.

Kennedy is expecting a tough test, saying: “Ainsdale have added a couple of players in the Lucas brothers and they’ve got a strong side, so it will be a good test for our young side and it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Hall Seconds head to St Helens Seconds tomorrow, while the third XI host Orrell Red Triangle Thirds.

It may be a week later than planned, but Andrew Swarbrick remains eager for Chirk to make a statement on their Shropshire League Division Two debut.

Chirk’s scheduled home encounter with Shifnal Thirds was washed out by the deluge of rain last weekend, meaning that Swarbrick’s men will now start life in their new environment on the road at Wellington Seconds.

But nothing changes for Swarbrick, who is determined to finish the season with promotion, preferably without losing a single game.

“You want to make a statement in your first game of the season, but the covers were blown off the wicket and the rain just didn’t stop all day, despite out best efforts,” said Swarbrick. “It’s annoying that we didn’t get chance to bowl a single ball last weekend, but the weather looks better for this one.

“We are still excited for the season to start and we’ve heard Wellington is a lovely place to go, so it will be great to get playing.

Chirk are boosted by the return of key man Steve Kelshaw, but James Carter and Luke Gardner join Adam Shillcock and Chris Pritchard on the sidelines.

Overton will finally begin their Division Six season with a trip to Shrewsbury Thirds. The Recreational Ground outfit saw last week’s scheduled home clash with Bomere Heath Seconds washed out.