Ellis pads up for celebration

Former All Black Marc Ellis will line up in the Legends of Cricket match.

Former All Black Marc Ellis says he's champing at the bit to play alongside cricketing greats in a special Hawke's Bay match this week.

The Legends of Cricket match will be a friendly 20/20 game, hosted by Te Awanga's Clifton County Cricket Club.

An Art Deco theme will feature players donning traditional 1930s cricket attire and a host of sideline activity celebrating the era.

Ellis said he was excited to take part in the unique event.

"It'll be bloody great. Any chance to get down to Hawke's Bay's a cracker."

The New Zealand businessman and television presenter was particularly excited to play alongside Australian cricketing great Jeff Thomson.

"Jeff Thomson is clearly a pretty scary sort of bowler in his day. I hope I'm not up against him if he's anything like he was. It'll be interesting to see how the Kiwis deal with that sort of firepower."

Other big names set to attend are Adam Hollioake, Chris Harris, Evan Gray, Erv McSweeney, Shane Thomson, Dion Nash, and actor Shane Cortese (who has played for Northern Districts and Lords Tavener). Ian Smith will also take part in the day but not as a player.

"It'll be good to catch up with a few mates. It's a special spot you've got down there and it's nice to be invited to such a cool event."

Meanwhile, when it comes to support for the New Zealand team during this year's World Cup, Hawke's Bay is leading the pack with the highest level of interest in the Black Caps, according to the latest search trends from Google New Zealand.

Interest in the Black Caps is at an all time high with searches relating to the team more than three times greater than for the All Blacks.

To book tickets for the Legends of Cricket match, visit: www.artdecocricketmatch.co.nz