Howzat for a bottle of beer?

Marston's have produced a special brew to mark Wolverhampton's India Summer celebrations and named it after cricket star Vikram Solanki.

The 32-year-old Worcestershire captain who has played for England in more than 50 one day internationals was the perfect choice.

The Indian-born player moved to this country at the age of eight and was brought up in Wolverhampton where his family still live.

And Marstons are the official beer for the English Cricket Board.

Vikram, who has scored over 10,000 runs for Worcestershire, said: "I was delighted to get involved in the India Summer project because it exactly reflects my own life. The world is becoming an increasingly small place with different cultures living alongside one another. The harmony with which that has been achieved in Wolverhampton is a tremendous complement to the city and all that it has to offer."

Marston's have produced 2000 bottles of Vikram's IPA. It is based on the original recipe for the Indian Pale Ale produced for British troops station in the sub continent more than 100 years ago.

The firm's Free Trade Sales Director, Phil Barnett said: "Wolverhampton is home to many cultures and faiths - it's part of what helps to make it a vibrant, thriving, progressive and richly diverse city.

"We wanted to do something to acknowledge the contribution that diversity has made towards the prosperity of this city - and what better way to do it than to use our own close cricket links to make this special beer with Vikram to support the Wolverhampton India Summer initiative."

Two versions were produced for the cricket star to chose his favourite version at a tasting and the special edition beer will be given away at India Summer events in the city after its launch at Marstons in Brewery Road. It will not be sold.

A host of events are being organised throughout the season to celebrate the contribution of people of Indian decent to the city and enhance cultural understanding.