Cricket Discipline Panel finds in Lancashire’s favour following Emirates Old Trafford pitch charge

Lancashire have confirmed the club has been cleared after being charged by the Cricket Regulator following defeat against Middlesex earlier in the season.

The Red Rose had been charged with a breach of ECB regulations regarding the pitch used in their Rothesay County Championship Second Division match at Emirates Old Trafford in May.

The surface was marked as ‘below average’ following the game, which saw Middlesex win by six wickets.

Lancashire’s first innings score of 201 was the highest in the match, followed by the visitors’ reply of 169.

Middlesex then bowled out the Red Rose for 84 in their second innings before securing victory when reaching 117-4.

A Lancashire statement on Friday said: “Following a hearing last week, the Cricket Discipline Panel found in favour of Lancashire.

“The decision endorses the position, and statement, the club set out at the time.”

That position was explained a month ago, with Lancashire believing the charge to be ‘an unfair decision’ and saying they would be launching an appeal.

They added: “This season, the club’s diligent and hardworking ground staff have taken steps in communication with the coaching team to ensure a greater balance between bat and ball in longer-formats of the game.

“These efforts followed feedback from members, players and cricket fans of all clubs who wanted to see more entertaining cricket.

“The club noted in the past five years, over 90 per cent of County Championship matches at Emirates Old Trafford ended in a draw.”