Yorkshire go back home

Yorkshire return to Sheffield for the first time in over a decade next week with two second XI matches. Yorkshire has a long and proud tradition of playing cricket in the South Yorkshire city, which used to be the headquarters of the club.

The second team play two games next week, the first is a one-day fixture at Sheffield United cricket ground on July 17 followed by a three-day championship fixture at Abbeydale Park on July 18-20.

The Bramall Lane ground staged first-class Yorkshire matches for 110 years from 1863-1973 before the club moved to Abbeydale Park where championship games and one-day fixtures were played from 1974-96.

Sheffield City Council is delighted to see professional cricket back in the city. Councillor Tim Rippon, cabinet member for economic regeneration, culture and planning said: “We are really looking forward to the return of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club to Sheffield next week.

"It is a great privilege that they have chosen to return to the city and we hope that local residents go along and watch the team and visitors to Sheffield enjoy their stay.”

Stewart Regan, Yorkshire chief executive, said: "I am delighted to see one of our sides returning to Sheffield where Yorkshire cricket began. It's a great event for the city and the club and something I hope can continue for many years to come.'

Yorkshire's final senior appearance at Abbeydale Park came in May 1996, when they drew their championship match against Derbyshire.

Yorkshire seconds took their final bow at Abbeydale Park in June 1996, when they lost a three-day Championship match against Gloucestershire by five wickets, despite a century from opener Simon Kellett.

Yorkshire's first team played 41 first-class matches at Abbeydale, winning eight, losing 11 and drawing 22 with two games being abandoned because of bad weather. They played a total of 391 games at Bramall Lane, winning 163, losing 78 and drawing 150 with three matches being abandoned.