An adrenaline junkie from Oxford has joined a team attempting to play the world’s highest ever game of cricket.

Nick Mullineux, 28, from Summertown, completed a round the world sailing trip in July last year and is now planning to take part in The Everest Test, a game of Twenty20 cricket played at 5,165 metres above sea level on Mount Everest.

He is one of 50 amateur enthusiasts from across the country who will take part in the one-day match in April, including Pc Gareth Lewis, from Sunningwell, near Abingdon.

Two teams — Hillary and Tenzing — will trek for nine days in the Himalayas, carrying their own artificial pitch to reach the Gorak Shep Plateau, just below Everest Base Camp.

The weather conditions and altitude — twice that at which Fifa allows professional footballers to play — will make it very difficult for the teams and Mr Mullineux, who will be taking time off from his job as a chartered surveyor.

He said: “I run to and from work, which is about seven miles a day, and I also use the bike to get around during the day, which is another four or so miles. I also swim a couple of times a week so I already do quite a lot of exercise.

“But things like the altitude and the trek beforehand will all make the challenge more difficult.”

The daredevil match, which will be umpired by two English officials, has been set up to raise money for three international charities, The Lord’s Taverners, Comic Relief and the Himalayan Trust.

Everyone on the expedition has paid £1,500 and must raise a minimum of £1,500 from sponsors, money which will be split equally.

Despite the possible dangers, Mr Mullineux said his wife Philippa was not too worried about the trek.

He said: “We climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for our honeymoon.

“But it could be dangerous, as it is quite far away.

“We are taking four medics with us, as there is little scope for outside help when you are in that situation.”

To sponsor Mr Mullineux go to justgiving.com/nicholasmullineux To find out more about the cricket match visit cricketoneverest.com awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk