Farington Update: Preparations continue ahead of summer fixtures
Lancashire Cricket would like to provide members and supporters with an update on the ongoing development of Farington and the Club's preparations for the venue to host professional cricket this summer.
Since taking control of the site in February, the Club has been working extensively across all operational areas to ensure Farington is ready to play its role as Lancashire Cricket's second ground. Significant progress has been made in recent months, with teams across the Club working hard to prepare the venue for both cricket and community use.
As part of the next phase of preparations, a men's Second XI T20 double-header against South Asian Cricket Academy will take place at Farington on Tuesday 30 June. This fixture will be played behind closed doors and will provide an important opportunity to test the wicket and wider cricket infrastructure on the professional oval.
The ground has already been used by Lancashire's professional squads in recent weeks, with both the men's and women's teams training on site while access to Emirates Old Trafford has been restricted due to the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
In addition to cricket activity, the venue has hosted a number of community events in recent months, particularly through the work of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, helping to establish Farington as an important hub for cricket across the county.
The Club will also host a test event at Farington on Wednesday 8 July, when Lancashire U16 Girls take on Cheshire in a 50-over fixture where Members and supporters will be able to attend. More information about the test event and how to book tickets will be shared on Monday 29 June.
Mark Chilton, Director of Cricket Performance, said: "A huge amount of work has taken place at Farington throughout the summer, and I'd like to thank all of the staff who have been working tirelessly on site to get us to this stage.
"We're confident that the men's Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixtures on 28 and 30 July will be played at Farington, but it is imperative that we test the playing surface and cricket infrastructure during the behind-closed-doors Second XI games on 30 June. Following those matches, the Club hopes to be in a position to confirm the venue for the 50 over fixtures.
“I'd like to thank members for their patience, and the Club will communicate once a final decision has been made regarding the matches at the end of July."
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