AUSTRALIAN Mark Higgs is looking forward to one Transco Lancashire League fixture in particular this season - the one against Ramsbottom.

His side Church travel to Nelson tomorrow for the first game of the new season.

But the fixture the 25-year-old is really looking forward to is the one where he pits his wits against his close friend and New South Wales team mate Michael Clarke - the new pro at Acre Bottom.

The pair were naturally delighted when they both secured contracts in the Lancashire League this season because it meant they could appear on opposite sides for once.

"Michael is a good player and I look forward to coming up against him because whenever we do it is always a tussle," said Higgs just hours after touching down in Britain after his long flight yesterday.

"Obviously we are usually on the same side but we have played against each other in grade cricket.

"We both have a competitive spirit so they are always good games.

"We are great friends on and off the field. I have known him for four or five years, we practically live in each other's pockets!"

Higgs, who is four years older than Clarke, will live in Oswaldtwistle this summer with the Immanuel pro Rob Ashton, who is also from Australia.

A third Aussie, Ryan Collier, will join them and he will be looking for a side to play for as an amateur.

"He plays first grade cricket in Canberra and he is coming over for the experience," said Higgs.

"I am trying to find him a club at the moment so if anyone wants him to play for them they should contact me.

"He is a right arm off spin bowler and bats middle order."

Higgs comes to Church already with experience of the English game. He has proed at North Yorkshire and South Durham side Redcar, where he averaged 60 runs, and at Yorkshire League side Harrogate, with an average of 93.

But he knows the Lancashire League is a different prospect and he is ready for the challenge - if his clothes ever arrive from Down Under!

"My cricket bag has arrived but my clothing bag still hasn't shown up," said the Australia A international, who has the unenviable task of trying to dislodge Shane Warne from the full Australia side.

"But I am looking forward to it, I'm looking forward to meeting all the lads and getting to know them and having a laugh this year.

"Hopefully we can do well. I don't know that much about the club but I know the Lancashire League is one of the best in the country and looking at some of the pros confirms it."

As a New South Wales player, Higgs is part of one of the most successful sides in Australian cricket, and is hopeful of pushing his way into his national side.

Veteran Warne, though, is looking almost impossible to dislodge.

"He will have a few more years at the top yet, especially if keeps coming up against England!"

FIXTURES FOR SUNDAY: Accrington v Colne, Bacup v Burnley, Haslingden v Enfield, Lowerhouse v East Lancs, Nelson v Church, Rishton v Ramsbottom, Todmorden v Rawtenstall