Everything was set for a great match at the Shenley Cricket Centre on Thursday until the weather intervened.

A squad from the centre was gearing up to take on a team from the British Fire Service. The Shenley side was bolstered by three top Pakistan international players, Inzamam Ul-Haq, Moin Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed.

The formidable Ul-Haq opened for the centre. However, the hosts' innings were cut short at 55-3 when the heavens opened, and put paid to the match.

The presence of Ul-Haq and his colleagues was brought about by Abdul Sattar, a Pakistan official who is a close friend of Mark Stear, director of cricket at the Shenley Cricket Centre, in Radlett Lane.

Mr Stear said: "It was a great opportunity for people to play cricket against three international stars.

"And they were impressed with the Shenley Cricket Centre. Inzamam was most impressed, and hopes to play here again."

The Shenley Cricket Centre has lined up a series of specialist coaching days for Hertsmere youngsters.

Starting on Monday, July 30, former England and Notts star Derek Randall will teach fielding. Bob Taylor, ex-Derby and England, coaches wicket keeping on Tuesday, July 31.

The next day (August 1), ex-England and Northants cricketer David Capel will run bowling coaching sessions. Then on August 2, former Sri Lankan international Keerthi Ranasinghe teaches batting.

The specialist coaching days are open to Shenley Colts members and non-members, aged ten to 16 years. The cost is £30 per day. For more information telephone Mark Stear on 01923 859022.