Date: 27th July 2012
A Paul Edwards copyright exclusive for L&DCC Official Website.
Cricket lovers on Merseyside are to get an extra opportunity to watch Lancashire's cricketers in action at Aigburth this summer following the county's decision to switch the fixture against Durham to Liverpool CC.
The game, which is due to take place from Tuesday 28th to Friday 31st August, was to be played at Manchester, but the need to allow the £32m redevelopment of the ground to proceed uninterrupted by cricket and the effect of the early summer's wet weather on the Old Trafford square have prompted the change.
“We have considered a combination of factors in making this decision," said the Old Trafford Director of Cricket, Mike Watkinson. "With regard to the construction activity at Old Trafford we are on schedule to complete our new Players and Media building in time for the NatWest International T20 between England and South Africa which will be played on Monday 10th September.
"However, this game falls during a busy period for our contractors, who are also redeveloping our Pavilion, and it will allow them to complete key activities without having to schedule around a four-day game. This also removes any potential inconvenience to players and spectators.
“In addition, we have recently endured a period of extremely wet weather which has resulted in the playing surface being under cover forextended periods. This hashad an adverse effect on the grass cover to the new areas of the square. The established pitches on the square are high quality surfaces and will beused for the upcoming England Lions fixture and, of course, the Ashes Test in 2013.
“Given that we made a significant investment prior to 2011 on the pitches at Liverpool it makes sense to utilise this resource during this periodof the above reasons.
“I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but I am sure that our Members and supporters will understand the need toprioritise cricket in making this decision.”
Last summer the Liverpool public were able to watch Glen Chapple's side take vital steps on the road to winning the title; this year they may witness Lancashire battling against relegation. The Red Rose team are currently sixth in the LV= First Division, just five points above the relegation zone, and having played more games than all the teams beneath them.
Despite being bottom of the table at the moment, Durham will probably have few fears about visiting Aigburth. Paul Collingwood's side were the only county to beat Lancashire at Liverpool last season, winning by five wickets last June.
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