First-class cricket returns to Southport in 2022 - but Liverpool CC will not host any Lancashire games this year.
Lancs’ fixtures, revealed today, include a four-day game at Southport & Birkdale’s Trafalgar Road home, against Somerset from July 11-14 - the Red Rose’s first visit since 2018.
There are also two T20 Blast games at Blackpool’s Stanley Park ground, and a Royal London Cup 50-over clash with Essex at Sedbergh School in Cumbria, which Lancashire have been using as an outground since 2019.
But Liverpool is a notable absence from the fixture list. Aigburth has been chosen to host a first-class game in each of the past three seasons - including last year’s thrilling one-wicket win over Hampshire - along with two behind-closed-doors Blast matches in 2020.
S&B will also host the NW Thunder’s Rachel Heyhoe Flint clash against SE Stars on July 16, with Sale CC also being used as an outground for a women’s game. Thunder played two 50-over games at Aigburth - again behind closed doors - in 2020.
Director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, said: “The announcement of the new fixture list always sharpens the focus and it’s an exciting time for everyone to see who we’re playing and when.
“I must thank our outgrounds that we will use in 2022 – Blackpool who will hold two T20 matches, Southport who will host a festival of cricket including the men’s four-day match against Somerset as well as Thunder’s home match against South East Stars.
“Sedbergh School will once again welcome the National Counties fixture against Cumbria before hosting two Royal London Cup games against Essex and Northamptonshire.
“We haven’t played at Blackpool and Southport for a few years, but the Club have been really impressed throughout the conversations we have had with them over the last few months.
“Whilst there is not a fixture scheduled at Liverpool CC in 2022, we remain committed to working together in the future.”
David Thorley, regional director of women’s cricket, added: “The momentum built by the women’s game last summer was incredible and the players have been working hard throughout the winter to ensure they are ready to go once again in 2022.
“To be able to play more fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford, as part of two T20 doubleheaders as well as two further standalone games will be an amazing opportunity for our players, and they are dates I know they’re already looking forward to.”
Lancashire's season starts on April 14 with a four-day LV= Insurance County Championship Division One clash against Kent at Canterbury.
