Crowds flock to Old Trafford

Old Trafford has broken the 100,000 attendance barrier for international matches in a season following the third npower Test between England and West Indies, which finished on Monday.

There was a sell-out for the one-day international in June when England played New Zealand in the NatWest Series, while the recent Test saw capacity crowds for the first three days and 15,000 on Sunday and Monday.

Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes praised the efforts of staff at Old Trafford and said: "It was a fabulous turn out for the team and the crowds gave them wonderful support.

Andrew Flintoff helped attract the fans to Old Trafford

“Everyone at the club has worked hard to get people into Old Trafford over the last two years for international matches, and of course the success of the team and the presence of two local heroes in James Anderson and ‘Freddie’ Flintoff helped too.

“Already there has been massive interest for the Australia Test match next August and to make sure of getting tickets spectators are advised to send back their priority Ashes booking forms as soon as possible."
The victory over West Indies was England's second successive Test win at Old Trafford following the success against Sri Lanka in 2002 and the 231 for three made by Michael Vaughan’s men was the highest fourth innings total to win an Old Trafford Test.