A long-standing bond between cricketers from Kent and the University of New South Wales in Australia will be celebrated nearly 40 years after it started next month when Hythe and Folkestone Cricket Clubs host two matches against the university.

Players from UNSW started representing Hythe in the mid-1980s and, four decades later, the Australians are returning to the clubs which delivered so much fun and camaraderie for them.

The Australian ring-leaders are Jamie Baker, who played for Hythe in 1984 and Folkestone in 1988 and 89, “Jungle” Jim Robson, who played for Hythe in 1985, Glenn “Orca” Clark, who played for Hythe in 1984, and Peter “Lenny” Godber, Australian tour manager from 1988.

They have rallied the touring university crew, who last played against a combined Kent XI in 1988 at Sibton Park, to return in commemoration of that match 35 years later.

“There’s always been a special bond between the uni boys and Kent,” said Baker.

“It was initially triggered by the great Hythe cricketer Richard Apps. Dickie admired the way Aussies played cricket and supported many of us over the years.

“It’s going to be fantastic to get back out on the green fields of Kent and re-live those great days of winning the Kent League - and celebrating together afterwards.

“Our one under-60 player is my youngest son, Raphael - thrilled that he can play on my favourite grounds and run in the field for me!”

Another tourist, David Gallop, played at Bickley in 1989. A great season in Kent took him to heights in Sydney grade cricket and then a career as chief executive of the Australian Rugby League and then Football Federation Australia.

Robson was part of the Hythe team which won the East Kent League in 1985. He still plays in Australia in over-60s games and is hoping his son - Middlesex batsman Sam Robson - will be able to watch the matches.

“[There’s] so many memories for us all here in Kent,” he said.

“Many of the troupe want to end their cricket journeys here and they will formally retire after these games.”

Clark has a message for Hythe and cricketers around Kent.

He said: “Our time playing at Hythe was special, with extraordinary friendship and hospitality extended to all Aussie-Hythe players.

“This is a chance to celebrate those past times and the friendships that have been in place for so many years. I can’t see me getting my bouncer to fly off the ridge at Hythe anymore - but will treasure one last chance to bowl at the Grove.

“We’d love to see as many friends and past players as possible to celebrate our unique links to Kent cricket.”

The T20 games will be at Hythe CC on Tuesday, July 4, and Folkestone the next day. Both begin at 5.30pm.