Lancashire make 'world-class surface' assurances for Old Trafford Test
Wednesday 20 July 2016 12:10, UK
Lancashire insist they will deliver a 'world-class surface' for England's second Investec Test against Pakistan despite hosting recent pop concerts at Old Trafford.
Eighty-thousand people watched Rihanna and Beyonce perform at the Manchester venue on June 29 and July 5 respectively, with the outfield left in a damaged state afterwards according to some reports.
However, Lancashire have refuted those claims and are confident their pitch renovation efforts will be successful in time for the second Test which starts on Friday.
An ECB pitch inspector gave the pitch a clean bill of health after carrying out tests last Thursday, as did the club's independent pitch and outfield consultant the following day.
"It is normal practice that after hosting concerts at Emirates Old Trafford the grounds team have a detailed and robust renovation programme for the pitch and outfield," a Lancashire spokesperson said.
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"Our experienced groundsman uses industry best practices to prepare the surfaces at Emirates Old Trafford and the club provide whatever equipment and materials he needs to deliver the world-class surface that Emirates Old Trafford is renowned for."
