Surrey County Cricket Club’s President, Roger Knight, will host some of cricket’s most recognisable figures for a luncheon at the Brit Oval today that will celebrate the 90th Birthday of Sir Alec Bedser.

Cricketing stars including Richie Benaud, Arthur Morris, Ken Archer, Neil Harvey and Alan Davidson will travel from as far as Australia to celebrate Sir Alec Bedser’s 90th Birthday at the Brit Oval on 4 July. Exclusive coverage of this remarkable occasion can be viewed on Surrey TV.

The Rt Honourable Sir John Major, KG, CH, Richie Benaud and Arthur Morris will speak at the event, which is being held in the John Major Room in the OCS Stand at Surrey’s head quarters - honouring the birthday of one of Surrey and England’s most respected cricketing names.

Bedser made his First Class debut for Surrey in 1939 but because of World War II had to wait seven years to play in his first Test. His International career spanned nine years between 1946 and 1955 and he continued on after his England career to eventually retire in 1960.

During his career, Bedser spearheaded both Surrey and England’s bowling attack, most notably taking 39 wickets at 17.48 in England’s Ashes victory in 1953. He also took 100 First Class wickets or more in a season 11 times, helping Surrey dominate in the 1950s as they won seven Championship titles in a row. After retiring from playing cricket in 1960, Bedser served as a national team selector for twenty-three years and was chairman of selectors from 1969 to 1981.

Speaking about the day, Sir Alec said: "It will be really nice to see them all (Richie Benaud, Arthur Morris, Ken Archer, Neil Harvey and Alan Davidson) again. Richie Benaud will make up a fifth Australian Test player who will be there on the day. The interesting thing about the five is that I played in all of their debut Test Matches against England, which I suppose is an unusual feat."

Surrey County Cricket Club’s Chief Executive said: “Sir Alec is one of the most revered and respected names in the history of our county. He has dedicated his whole life to the game and it is a thrill for us to be celebrating this special landmark with him.”

• Bedser is England’s second oldest living player. Former Surrey wicket keeper, Arthur McIntyre, is the only living England Test cricketer who is older than Sir Alec.

• He picked up 1924 first class wickets for Surrey in 485 matches at an average of 20.41 and also took 236 Test wickets in 51 matches.

• He was also Surrey’s President in 1997.

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