ONE of Africa’s best known and most courageous and controversial cricketers Henry Olonga (correct) will be the guest speaker at Malmesbury Cricket Club Annual Dinner and Dance.

Olonga, 39, played 25 Test matches for Zimbabwe after becoming both the first black player and the youngest person to represent his country at Test cricket in 1995.

He also played 41 one day internationals for Zimbabwe before his international career came to an abrupt halt in dramatic circumstances during a World Cup match in 2003.

He and team-mate Andy Flower famously wore black armbands to "mourn the death of democracy" in Zimbabwe.

Death threats forced him to live in exile in England and he is now pursuing a career as a cricket commentator and entertainer.

Club spokesman Ray Sanderson, a former Mayor of Malmesbury, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have a speaker of Henry Olonga’s calibre at our annual dinner and dance.

“It should be a fantastic evening.”

The black tie event, which will include music from the band Night Shade, an auction and a raffle, takes place from 6.45pm to 12.30am at Malmesbury Town Hall on Friday, October 30.

Tickets are £40 and available from Mr Sanderson at Malmesbury@tiscali.co.uk or 07710082085 / 01666 822303.