Old Trafford cricket ground "is ready for the Ashes," according to Chris Ostick of the MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS. After years of "planning battles, worry, financial hardship and just sheer determination," the last part of the £44M ($68M) redevelopment of the world famous ground was handed over to the club Tuesday. Following The Point -- which cost £12M ($18M) -- the state-of-the-art new players and media center, two new double-tier stands and the re-orientation of the wicket, "Lancashire take control of their new-look pavilion ahead of the YB40 game against Scotland." The club has spent £9M ($14M) "on dragging the famous old building" -- which is recognized world-wide – into the 21st century. Two stories have been added to the old structure, with the exec boxes -- "all of which have already been sold" -- on the top floor giving views of both the cricket and the surrounding area. The former home dressing room has been transformed into a luxurious suite for corporate hospitality, "while the old away dressing room is now part of the bright and modern new Long Room" (MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 6/18).
