Thommo ready for return to the bowling crease

One of the true legends of Australian cricket, and the man who put fear into the hearts and minds of batsmen, is set to don the whites as part of the big Art Deco Legends of Cricket Match being staged in Hawke's Bay on February 25.

Jeff 'Thommo' Thomson who, in tandem with the equally legendary Dennis Lillee, formed one of the most explosive, not to mention very quick, opening bowling partnerships in the history of the game.

He was clocked (in old money) at just over 100mph, although the big crowd expected for this month's unique deco event won't be expecting the 64-year-old to be slinging them down the wicket at that pace.

Mr Thomson, who represented Australia between 1972 and 1985, confirmed earlier this week he will be taking part in the match, which will be styled and costumed around cricket in the 1930s, and staged at the Clifton Country Cricket Club's ground.

Also confirming their place on the pitch this week were former All Black Marc Ellis and former captain of the English team Adam Hollioake.

While better known for his skills on the rugby and league grounds, Mr Ellis is said to be an accomplished player of the willow and leather game.

They will join already "signed" stars like Chris Harris, Mark Greatbatch, Dion Nash, Evan Gray, Erv McSweeney, Shane Thomson and Shane Cortese, who once played for Northern Districts.

Securing Mr Thomson was a real coup which would almost certainly lead to the match selling out, Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said.

"Jeff Thomson has been dubbed the fastest bowler of all time and his antics with Dennis Lillee are part of cricketing history - so we are stoked he will be part of the action here in Hawke's Bay."

The Legends of Cricket Match will be a friendly T20 game with the players wearing traditional 1930s cricketing garb.

Food and beverages will be on sale at the event and while it is not a BYO, spectators are welcome to take along their own picnic hampers.

Tickets for the event can be bought through www.artdecocricketmatch.co.nz