THE STARS of world cricket are heading to Newport next month.

The International Cricket Council has chosen Spytty Park as a training base for June’s Champions Trophy.

That means that England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and New Zealand will be honing their skills in 11 open sessions at Newport Cricket Club.

The tournament is being played at the Oval, Edgbaston and the Swalec Stadium with Spytty hosting nations ahead of fixtures in Cardiff.

Newport were approached by tournament organisers, who were impressed by the club’s ground and facilities.

It means that the likes of Alastair Cook, Eoin Morgan, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lasith Malinga and Chris Gayle are heading to the city.

“To think that the best cricketers in the world will be playing at our ground is amazing,” said club spokesman Dave Knight.

“It’s testament to the hard work that so many people have put into the club, to get to where we are now since moving from Rodney Parade in the early 1990s is incredible.

“This is going to be terrific for our junior players – how many times do you get the chance to see the best players in the world close up?”

Newport intend catering for up to 1,000 spectators and plan to invite local schools.

Dates are to be confirmed and are weather permitting but 11 sessions have been pencilled in, the first ahead of the June 6 tournament opener between South Africa and India. There are five games in Cardiff and the countries will share the facilities at the Swalec Stadium and Spytty Park.

Newport will also use the events to launch the fundraising drive for the refurbishment of the changing rooms block next to their clubhouse.

The club aims to provide changing facilities and a meeting room and have set an initial target of raising £50,000 of the estimated project cost of £200,000.

Companies and individuals who want to sponsor the club or offer help can contact Mr Knight on 01633 663297 or email dave.knight@ntlworld.com