Lancashire decamp to the shires

Andrew Flintoff bounds in at Aigburth CC, Liverpool, which will see more than its customary single championship match in 2011

Lancashire will play the majority of their home fixtures in next year’s LV= County Championship at outgrounds while Old Trafford continues to undergo redevelopment, the county have confirmed.

Aigburth CC, in Liverpool, a regular host of championship games involving Lancashire, are expected to take on most of those redistributed matches, while Southport and Blackpool will also have at least one four-day game each.

Most of the Lightning’s Friends Provident t20 and Clydesdale Bank 40 matches will remain at Old Trafford, along with England’s one-day international against Sri Lanka and Twenty20 international against India.

Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson said: “Following a lengthy consultation process with potential outgrounds, and looking at their facilities and ambitions to host county cricket, it has been decided that LCCC will play some of our cricket in Liverpool, Blackpool and Southport.

“It should be noted that Westhoughton, with a new ground and excellent facilities, were strong and serious contenders.

“However, the wicket needs more time to establish itself for four-day cricket and they may receive consideration for a one-day game.”