London, Apr. 10 : A party of 50 cricket-loving explorers departed Lord''s yesterday for an unusual tour. In 11 days'' time, after flying, driving and finally trekking to a plateau 5,000 metres (17,000 ft) up in the Himalayas, more than three miles above sea level, they will play a match of Twenty20 cricket and set a world record: the highest altitude recorded for a field sport.

According to The Times, the Nokia Maps Everest Test match is due to be played on a frozen lake near Everest base camp called Gorak Shep, which means "dead raven" in the language of the Sherpas who will accompany the cricketers.

The teams, named Hillary and Tenzing, will play a match of 20 overs a side under the proper laws of cricket. They will use wooden stumps and bats, a pink leather ball (which stands out better against the snowy terrain) and a full-sized artificial pitch that has been broken into three parts and will be carried up the mountain.

The match is due to be played on the Queen''s official birthday, and a message of support from Buckingham Palace was sent to the two teams. After the match, a proper British cricket tea will be taken and the Union Jack raised in the Queen''s honour.

The match is being played for charity, and it is expected that over 250,000 pounds would be raised for the Himalayan Trust and the Lord''s Taverners.

Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook, the England Test captain and vice-captain, have agreed to be the honorary captains. (ANI)