The West Yorkshire venue is preparing to stage a star-studded contest between the renowned Lashings World XI and a Leeds United International XI on Friday, July 31 – with Simon Grayson expected to make a surprise appearance for the home side.

United's manager, whose brother Paul is head coach of Essex County Cricket Club, was a Yorkshire schoolboy cricketer before signing his first professional football contract with Leeds, and he is hoping to line up against a strong Lashings team.

The Lashings squad includes former England internationals Devon Malcolm, Graeme Hick and Phil DeFreitas, while ex-Yorkshire stars Jason Gillespie, Ian Harvey and Greg Blewett are also likely to be involved in the Twenty20 game.

United's XI will feature Courtney Walsh – the famous West Indies seamer – and Richie Richardson, and Grayson plans to add his name to the home squad.

Grayson said: "There's some great cricketers in there and some big names. It should be a great night's entertainment.

"Twenty20 cricket is all about big hits, it's fast moving and the fact that the game is being played at Elland Road will add an extra dimension."

Elland Road hosted a benefit cricket match involving Yorkshire in 1986 but next month's game will be the first Twenty20 clash to be played at the stadium.

Ticket details will be announced next week.