Yorkshire are hoping to secure Headingley’s future as a Test ground for the next 15 years by signing a deal towards the end of this month
Wisden Cricinfo staff06-May-2004Yorkshire are hoping to secure Headingley’s future as a Test ground for the next 15 years by signing a deal towards the end of this month.Robin Smith, Yorkshire’s chairman, hopes to complete what he called the staging agreement between Yorkshire and the ECB shortly, and warned against complacency considering the other county grounds battling for Test recognition.”I would be very surprised if the deal with the ECB is not concluded by the end of May, but that does not mean that we can take our finger off the pulse,” Smith told the . “We are very conscious of the challenge from other grounds such as Durham’s Riverside and the Hampshire Rose Bowl, and we can’t afford to be complacent with those venues around. The only thing that will guarantee Headingley’s long-term future as a leading Test venue is the type of world-class facilities we are trying to create.”Headingley, which hosted its first Test back in 1899 has since held 64 matches, but has recently come under criticism for being behind the times. It is due to host England’s second Test against New Zealand this summer, and a day-night game between England and West Indies in the NatWest Series.