Cricket bosses confirm no 2015 Ashes Test for region

THE region will lose out on more than £15m in economic benefits after cricket bosses confirmed that the Emirates Old Trafford will not host an Ashes Test match in 2015.

In fact there will not even be a Test match against England’s greatest cricket rivals in the north, as the ECB has picked Cardiff, Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Edgbaston in Birmingham and Lords and the Oval in London for the five match series,

The redeveloped Emirates Old Trafford will have to settle for two one-day internationals against Australia and one Twenty20 fixture with New Zealand.

This summer the venue will host a a Test match against India and a one-day international between England and Sri Lanka.

Last year Greater Manchester Chamber estimated that hosting the third  Investec Ashe Test match would boost the local economy by £15m in immediate tangible benefits. 

A spokesman for Lancashire County Cricket Club said it is hoping to succeed in bidding to host the 2019 Ashes.

“We enjoyed a successful Ashes Test last year with a record attendance, and we have a number of exciting fixtures coming up at Emirates Old Trafford.

“Although everyone has been aware for some time that our international match package up until 2016 does not include an Ashes Test, we are nevertheless looking forward to hosting New Zealand in a T20 international and Australia for two one-day internationals next year, and we hope to be in a strong position to host an Ashes Test in 2019 when the bidding for the next round of international matches commences after this season has finished.”