SPORT England are backing Lancashire's bid to regain Old Trafford's Ashes status.

The Welsh Assembly's involvement was the main reason Cardiff trumped Old Trafford for the 2009 series against Australia and the Red Rose county have wasted no time in hitting back.

Chief executive Jim Cumbes said: "On the back of all the publicity over the last few days, our chairman Jack Simmons took a phone call saying that the North West Development Agency and Sport England may be able to help.

"I dont know anything more than that at this stage, other than the fact that it is encouraging and at least they are willing to talk to us.

"Goalposts in the bid for Ashes cricket now seem to have changed considerably, with none of the more recognised venues included.

"If Sport England are willing to back the bid for a future Old Trafford Test, just like the Welsh Assembly have done, it shows that it is now a matter of regional pride.

"Trafford Borough Council were never approached about this situation, because we didn't think that would be necessary," Cumbes added.

Bid

"We assumed, as we have always done, that you just made a bid out of the profits you think you can make from your own ground.

"When the Welsh Assembly and Cardiff City Council chucked in their large proportion of money, that took it out of the realms of previous situations.

"If we had made the type of bid Cardiff had made, then there is no way that we could have made any profit.

"It is vital for a club of our size that we make a profit so we can keep on improving the club. We are not a plc and we haven't got any share-holders, The money we make goes back into the infrastructure of the club."

Stewart Kellett, director of Sport England North West, said: "These events do rotate, but it would be good to see Ashes cricket back in the north west in the future.

"Old Trafford staged a wonderful Test last year and we certainly hope it will again."

On the field, Lancashire will be hoping to build on their solid start to the season when they face an in-form Durham side today.

Cricket manager Mike Watkinson will bring Sajid Mahmood back into four-day cricket but is still missing Brad Hodge and James Anderson.

Both teams were promoted to Division One last season, when honours were even. Durham won at Old Trafford early in the season, whilst Lancs took the fixture at the Riverside.

"We are confident of going up there and getting a positive result," Watkinson said.

LANCASHIRE'S Sajid Mahmood has been named in the England A line-up to face Sri Lanka in a four-day match at Worcester.

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