BATSMEN and bowlers will step up to the crease for the ultimate summer sports challenge at Hampshire’s biggest agricultural show.

A state-of-the-art cricket training zone is among the exciting activities when the New Forest and Hampshire County Show returns for another action-packed year.

The huge agricultural and countryside fair is one of the largest of its kind in the south, with nearly 100,000 people expected to flock to New Park in Brockenhurst from Tuesday, July 30, for the three-day Daily Echosponsored show.

Stumped The Cricket Factory, arriving courtesy of the England Cricket Board (ECB), pays homage to one of Britain’s best loved national sports as the country is gripped with Ashes fever.

Families can test their skills on an array of equipment ranging from target tunnels, action stumps and rebound nets aimed at taking their game to the next level.

It is backed by Ringwood Brewery and teammates from Hampshire Cricket are expected to meet their fans.

Show secretary Denis Dooley said: “Cricket is such a traditional summer sport and this exciting activity will allow people of all ages to get involved and try out some of the top training equipment.

“There will be a variety of kit involved and the chance to emulate your heroes.”

Meanwhile the Devil’s Horsemen, Roman chariot racing display and the Heavy Horse Musical Drive are among the headliners for this year’s show.

Royal visitors will be the Earl and Countess of Wessex and more than 2,500 horses and riders will compete in an array of classes and showjumping competitions.

There are 900 sheep, 300 cattle and 100 pigs in the livestock section, plus a record-breaking 300 entries for its poultry section.

Meanwhile visitors can browse trade stands, craft stalls and a bustling food court with locally grown, reared and produced meats, dairy, fruit, vegetables and jams.