Eight more days of internationals

LANCASHIRE’S Emirates Old Trafford will host England’s opening Test against Pakistan next month, along with all three T20 internationals between the sides.

The ground is already due to host the second and third Tests of the West Indies series, which starts at the Ageas Bowl tomorrow.

But now four more international matches have been added to Old Trafford’s calendar.

However, hopes that a small number of fans may be allowed back into grounds soon have been dashed, with the ECB announcing the

Pakistan fixtures are to be played behind closed doors, along with a three-mate ODI series against Ireland which will be held at the

Ageas Bowl.

After hosting the two West Indies Tests, starting on July 16 and 24, Emirates Old

Trafford will stage the first Test against Pakistan from August 5-9 before the second and third Tests are held at the Ageas Bowl.

Pakistan then return to Manchester for the three-match T20 series on August 28, 30 and September 1.

And Lancashire could host more internationals this summer, with the ECB in talks over Australia’s planned three-match T20 and three-match ODI series.

The county, who hope to start their domestic season on August 1, receive a staging fee for hosting the games, but will benefit more financially from the ECB booking out the on-site Hilton Garden Inn hotel throughout most of the summer.

Daniel Gidney, Lancashire chief executive, said: “We are one of the first venues in the UK to be hosting international sport and it is something that we are all very proud to be a part of.

“We have been working closely with the ECB to ensure that as a venue we are doing everything we can to facilitate the teams, staff, broadcasters and media in the safest possible environment and in doing so meeting the ever-changing international and Government guidelines.”