A QUARTET of internationals are set to be among the Pakistan A players trying to stake a claim for senior spots when they head to Newport next week.

First-class cricket returns to the city on Friday when Glamorgan host the tourists for a one-day encounter (10.30am start) at Spytty Park.

Entry to the game will be free – although the club are hopeful that spectators will pay £3 for a special souvenir programme – and it promises to be a special occasion.

It be emotional for Newport clubmen with first-class cricket returning to the city for the first time since 1990 when Glamorgan's final visit to Rodney Parade, a one-day match against Yorkshire, was a washout.

And they hope it will be special for the area's Pakistani community as a top-quality touring side take on Robert Croft's men.

"We hope that a lot of the local community will support the day," said club coach Mike Knight.

"There has been plenty of interest from the Pakistani community, which should make for a good atmosphere, and we are looking to make it a big fun day on the ground.

"Our junior teams will make a guard of honour for the teams, we have been in touch with local schools and Newport County and Newport Gwent Dragons are also set to be here."

The fixture will be the first one-day encounter for the tourists as they prepare for a triangular tournament with England Lions and Sri Lanka A.

So far they have drawn a weather-affected match with Yorkshire, lost by 33 runs to the Sri Lankans in the first unofficial Test in Leicester and take on their fellow tourists again in Worcester in a four-day encounter that starts on Sunday.

Pakistan A have four players of international experience in their side with bowler Bilawal Bhatti having played two Tests as well as both forms of white-ball cricket.

Captain and middle-order batsman Baber Azam has played nine ODIs, opener Sharjeel Khan has played 11 ODIs and 11 T20 internationals with the latest against Australia at the World Cup in March while all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz played two T20 internationals against the UAE and Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, the legendary batsman, laid down the challenge to the squad to force their way into the top team, who are also in England.

"With some good performances Sharjeel, Babar Azam and others have a chance to win a place in the senior team," he said before the tour.

"With the experience gained in England, the players will hopefully be an asset for the senior team."