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Manchester: Old Trafford's bid to make sure it is a Test venue come the 2013 Ashes in England was given a huge boost on Thursday after plans for a 32 million pounds ($51 million) redevelopment of Lancashire's headquarters ground received government approval.
Jim Cumbes, Lancashire's chief executive, said giving the go-ahead to a joint project with Britain's Tesco supermarket chain was a "historic decision".
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials had warned that without major redevelopment there was a serious risk that one of England's oldest international grounds -- which shares its name with the nearby home of football giants Manchester United -- would cease to stage Test cricket.
One key aspect of the proposed redevelopment will see the pitch turned through 90 degrees meaning the Stretford End, from where England off-spin great Jim Laker took 19 wickets in a Test against Australia in 1956, will disappear.
"This is a historic moment for Old Trafford, as it will ultimately secure the future of international cricket in Greater Manchester and the north-west," said former Lancashire seamer Cumbes.
We can now immediately commit to the turning of the wicket, a vital stage in our programme for the redeveloped stadium to be ready in time to host the Ashes in 2013.
In a move that dismayed traditionalists, there was no Test at Old Trafford during last year's Ashes series in Britain, which England won 2-1.
But two new grandstands and a revamped pavilion will leave Old Trafford with a capacity of 15,000 rising to 25,000 with temporary seats.
While building work continues, Lancashire's first-class county championship home matches will be played at 'outgrounds' in Liverpool, Southport and Blackpool but Old Trafford is still set to stage one-day matches next season.
