English All-rounder Andrew Flintoff is hopeful that Ashes Test 2013 has chances of returning to Old Trafford Ground – Cricket News Update
The former English all-rounder deems that Ashes Test 2013 may return to Old Trafford ground because of the ongoing re-development.
The 33-year-old all-rounder is happy and excited that Old Trafford ground is undergoing major renovations and redevelopment, which can bring back Ashes to this historical venue.
Flintoff was one of the biggest supporters of the redevelopment proposal. The right-handed all-rounder stated that he wants to repay his home-ground and club. He said, “The club is very ambitious about getting Ashes cricket back at Old Trafford. We’re taking
the right steps towards doing that in a state-of-the-art stadium.”
English grounds were awarded matches in 2009 for the upcoming cricket events to be held in England. The whole schedule from 2010 to 2016 was distributed among various grounds including Durham, Rose Bowl and Lords’.
Bid was still open for the Ashes Test 2013 and 2016 including few other matches. Lancashire county club regretted not getting any match for their home ground, Old Trafford. Hence the club proposed this plan with the hopes of getting the Test back.
Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes said, “It is a time right now of fierce competition for the rights to stage Test Matches, which has seen the ground lose the Ashes this year. The significant investment in the new facilities will ensure Old Trafford
regains its rightful place on the Test Match circuit in time for the 2013 Ashes Test.”
“Ashes” is the name given to the Test series between Australia and England started in 1882. Since then, it is the most celebrated series between the 2 countries.
Old Trafford ground was established in 1857 with the capacity of accommodating maximum 22,000 spectators. This is the same venue which was sold out for the ODI series decider match between Sri Lanka and England on July 9, 2011.
For converting this old ground into the state-of-the-art stadium, £30 M will be spent on the re-development plan. The plan will be carried on by the partnership between Lancashire, Trafford Council, Tesco and Ask Developments.
After the recent re-development, it is estimated that Trafford will attract an investment of 70 million pounds because then it will be able to accommodate additional 71,000 visitors per year.