THERE'S no more depressing sight, in the middle of an English summer, than a wet, deserted cricket ground.

And, sadly, there have been plenty of those around recently, particularly Old Trafford.

So - what about a roof for the new ground when it is redeveloped in 2009?

No chance, it seems. The extra costs appear prohibitive, considering that the overall investment to produce a `state of the art' venue is only £30m tops. About the price of Tevez! And a mere drop in the Ship Canal in comparison with many commercial enterprises.

But this is cricket. And £30m is a lot of dosh when you are talking about a ground which only fills up when England are playing there, or when a rock star is strutting his stuff on a temporary stage.

Even if it meant that Lancashire would be guaranteed cricket every day, giving them a better chance of landing that elusive Championship, is it worth it?

After all, it wouldn't help them when they were playing at New Road where pedalos are tied up to the pavilion steps. And it would bring the curtain down on Lancashire's outside grounds, Liverpool and Blackpool, where the club have massive support.

But . . .

A retractable roof would empower Lancashire. I don't know how much it would cost - many millions, obviously - but I bet they would get their money back over the years.

England, for instance, would beg them to host Ashes matches, rather than kicking them in the teeth as they have done for 2009. And they could stage all sorts of other events - as they do now, of course, but on a much grander scale. Concerts, winter exhibitions, maybe even a Manchester Garden Show.

Diehards

Here, though, cash isn't the only problem. We are talking of a different mind-set, a concept that, for many cricket diehards, belongs to another planet.

A roof doesn't just guarantee play. It presents so many other possibilities, many of them nothing to do with cricket. And while Lancashire are taking massive strides forward, both in the redevelopment of their historic HQ and in the way they govern themselves, it insists on remaining a `Cricket Club.'

In all the talk and negotiations about the redevelopment, they have made it clear that the new Old Trafford will be a cricket ground. They don't use the word `stadium,' with its connotations of grandeur and multi-usage.

And, of course, a cricket ground isn't a cricket ground unless you can sit in the stand, anorak pulled tight around you, watching it hose down while the players get the cards out in the dressing-room and the umpires put their feet up.

It gives you the chance to have a good old groan about the weather - days of whine and roses - and for the chairman to dream about relocating to the south coast, where they have all the sun and all the luck.

Lancashire County Cricket Club. It is what it says on the tin, except that most tins have lids on them.

It's probably too late now, considering the advanced stage of the redevelopment, but if it's still even remotely possible I would go for it. At least sound out the idea. It's something to talk about while it's raining, if nothing else!

I have to admit, though, that the previous Old Trafford `roof' proved an abject failure. Older fans might remember the infamous balloon cover, provided by generous supporter Bob Wilson. Located in a trench alongside the square, it could be mechanically rolled out and blown up to create a type of circus tent, protecting the whole playing area.

But it took a long time to inflate and in a strong breeze the tent sort of . . . collapsed. Head groundsman Peter Marron used it only a handful of times.

However, I understand that it was also employed by a cavorting couple who had enjoyed too much wine when their firm held a dinner party at Old Trafford and eventually, and not surprisingly, the balloon was discreetly left to lie at rest.

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