Lancashire Cricket Ground – a brief History

Leading members of Manchester Cricket Club (who had relocated to Old Trafford previously in 1857) held a meeting in 1864 with the intention of forming a County club. Thirteen clubs were represented and on 12th January 1864, Old Trafford Cricket Ground – usually simply referred to as Old Trafford – became home to Lancashire Cricket Club.

International Test matches have been played there since 1884.

In 1884 Old Trafford became the second Test venue used in England before Lord’s and after The Oval.

Over the past century and more, the ground has seen some superb action.

Take for instance when Lancastrian Richard Barlow playing for the North of England v the Australians in 1884 faced the famous demon bowler Spofforth who predicted the opposition would be out for 60 runs. Barlow scored a century, took 10 Australians wickets and was cheered by all. So impressed was Murdoch the Australian captain, that he took off his cap and gave it to Barlow.

The story was well documented in the press and it is from this event that the phrase, “I’ll take my hat off to you” originates.

Archie MacLaren was one of the greatest captains ever who scored 424 against Somerset, a batting record that held strong for some 99 years. In his last first-class game, playing for England against New Zealand in 1923, at 51 years of age MacLaren scored an unbeaten double century.

More recently, in 1993 Old Trafford witnessed Shane Warne's " Ball of the Century" to Mike Gatting. And in 2005, 30,000 fans were locked out on the 5th day of the 3rd Test of the Ashes series due to a sell-out crowd.

The ends of the ground were known as Warwick Road End to the east and Stretford End to the west. The introduction of the Metrolink saw the section of Warwick Road leading to the station renamed Brian Statham Way, as a tribute to the famous former Lancashire and England player. This end of the ground is now known as the Brian Statham End.

The history of Lancashire Cricket Ground is multi faceted and so diverse that if time permits, Lancashire Cricket Club Museum,  open on all 1st XI and International match days is swell worth a visit.

Please contact us to find out more about our expertly designed and managed corporate hospitality packages at historic Old Trafford now.