Home to: Lancashire CCC, Lancashire Thunder, Manchester Originals
Address: Talbot Road, Stretford, Manchester M16 0PX
After being used by Manchester Cricket Club for eight years, it was not until 1965 that current incumbents Lancashire began using the site as their home.
In 1884 it became the second English ground to host a Test match when Australia played England. The entire first day was lost to rain.
In the Second World War the venue was turned into a holding camp for those returning from the evacuation of Dunkirk. During the conflict many of the stands were destroyed by air raids. Just weeks after the war ended it was used as the fifth venue in the Victory Tests between England and an Australian Services team.
Recent hstory has been dominated by Old Trafford becoming a constant presence during Ashes clashes. In 1993, Shane Warne bowled Mike Gatting with what would later be dubbed the "Ball of the Century".
Twelve years later, thousands of fans were locked out of the fifth day of the third Test of the 2005 series with England chasing victory as cricket's popularity boomed.
After being used by Manchester Cricket Club for eight years, it was not until 1965 that current incumbents Lancashire moved began using the site as their home.
In 1884 it became the second English ground to host a Test match when Australia played England. The entire first day was lost to rain.
In the second world war the venue was turned into a holding camp for those returning from the evacuation of Dunkirk. During the conflict many of the stands were destroyed by air raids.
But just weeks after the war ended it was used as the fifth venue in the Victory Tests between England and an Australian Services team.
Recent history has been dominated by Old Trafford becoming a constant presence during Ashes clashes. In 1993, Shane Warne bowled Mike Gatting with what would later be dubbed the "Ball of the Century".
Twelve years later, thousands of
fans were locked out of the fifth day of the third Test of the 2005 series with
England chasing victory as cricket's popularity boomed.
England cricketers Maurice Tate and Maurice Leyland coming out to bat in the Test against Australia at Old Trafford in 1930
In 1956, Jim Laker became the first bowler to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings when he took 10-53 against Australia.
Indeed, Laker had already taken nine in the first innings, to finish with match figures of 19-90.
India's Anil
Kumble is the only other player to have dismissed an entire line-up when he
bowled out Pakistan in 1999.
Address: Talbot
Rd, Stretford, Manchester M16 0PX
By car: Parking is available at the stadium and is accessible from the Talbot Road entrance. Can be bought in advance but on the day tariffs begin at £3 for two hours. Costs are likely to rise for the World Cup
By
public transport: Metrolink trams are the best way to get around the Manchester
area. Old Trafford is the nearest stop to the ground, which is less than 15
minutes from the city's main overground station, Manchester Picadilly.
Alternatively,
bus numbers 53 from the centre, or 250, 255 or 291 also serve the stadium.
Platzki
Polish-based restaurant who change their menu twice a week. Standard dishes
also available. (£20-£30 per head)
255
Deansgate, Unit F, Deansgate Mews, The Great Northern Building, Manchester, M3
4EN
MyLahore
Specialising in Asian cuisine but standard restaurant food also available. (£4-£12 per head)
14-18
Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 5TQ
The
Pasta Factory
Independent Italian providing authentic, affordable dishes from the region. (£8-£30 per head)
77
Shudehill, Manchester, M4 4AN
Hawksmoor
Manchester
Seafood and steak take priority in this Deansgate establishment, where you can even bring your own alcohol. (£8-£40 per head)
184-186 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3WB
The
Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
Described as a "modern food lovers
paradise", British food is the order of the day here. (£14-£30 per head)
108
High Street, Manchester M4 1HT,
Old Trafford
Get a tour around the biggest English club stadium in the country
(£30)
Sir
Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA
The Lowry
Watch one of the many shows or grab a tour or exhibition (price depends on show)
Pier
8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ
Media City
The home of the BBC, ITV and dozens of media and digital outlets. (free)
The
Greenhouse, 101-110 Broadway, Salford M50 2EQ
Trafford Centre
The third biggest shopping centre in the United Kingdom opened in 1998.
The Orient, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA
Victoria Warehouse
Converted from a warehouse which opened in 1932, this events space is also a hotel (price depends on show)
Trafford Wharf Rd, Stretford, Manchester M17 1AB
The Quadrant
Pleasant atmosphere before sports events with screens readily
available.
67
Great Stone Road, Stretford M32 8GR
The
Bishop Blaize
A retreat for some Manchester United fans but certainly cheap and cheerful.
708
Chester Road, Stretford, M32 0SF
Hotel
Football Old Trafford
Located in the shadow of the football stadium but a welcoming bar good for large groups
99
Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, M16 0SZ
Gorse
Hill
Rough and ready British pub located close to the ground. Quick service guaranteed.
886
Chester Road, Stretford, M32 0PA
The
Toll Gate
Another good value pub with character and atmosphere.
Seymour
Grove, Manchester, M16
Though
Old Trafford has hosted several music events, they unknowing played host to
royalty when they employed The Smiths singer Morrissey in their box office
before he rose to fame.
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