TOP England cricketers are taking on a school team during a charity match in aid of an orphanage.

England internationals Ben Stokes, Paul Collingwood and Graham Onions are playing in the T20 match against Durham School, in aid of the charity Cricket Beyond Boundaries.

They will be playing with a group of six orphans from Chembur Children’s Home in Mumbai, which has been linked with Durham School through the programme.

During the last three years the school has hosted children from the home while raising funds to provide clean, running water and to develop a study centre.

Kieran McLaughlin, headteacher at Durham School, said: “Sport can and should unite people across continents. The commitment of our pupils to helping the visiting children not only instils a sense of kindness and social responsibility, but has helped to forge potentially lifelong relationships on an international level.

“Cricket is one way we can bond together and develop relationships through sport. The boys from Chembur Children’s Home are very skilled players and we can learn a lot from each other.

“We’re very pleased with the ongoing success of our partnership with Cricket Beyond Boundaries and the relationship that we’ve established with Chembur and look forward to it continuing for years to come.”

The charity match takes place on Friday, June 23 at 5.30pm at Durham School. No ticket is required, but donations are encouraged – with all proceeds going to Cricket Beyond Boundaries. Refreshments will be available.

  • For further information call 0191 386 4783, email enquiries@durhamschool.co.uk or visiting www.durhamschool.co.uk.