A CRICKET bat once thought to have been used by the one of the greats of the game is going up for auction.

Legendary batsman WG Grace is believed to have used the bat during a three-day game between Surrey and Gloucestershire in the 1870s.

Grace is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest ever cricketers, having played at the top of the sport for a record-equalling 44 seasons from 1865 to 1908, during which time he captained England, Gloucestershire and the MCC.

His bat is expected to fetch between £200 and £400 when it comes up for sale at Newcastle auctioneers Anderson and Garland on December 8.

Grace gave the bat to Surrey captain and former teammate George Stracken and it bears the inscription "G. Stracken from W.G. Grace, June 22/78, W.E. Lathan from G. Stracken, Augst 21/88".

It is accompanied by a letter from The Marylebone Cricket Club which says the club "feel confident to say that it is entirely likely that the bat was indeed, as stated, a gift from W.G.”

Expert Fred Wyrley Birch, from Anderson and Garland, said “This is a rare opportunity to buy a piece of sporting history.

“We have had a great deal of interest from collectors and cricket enthusiasts around the world.”