Lancashire Cricket Unveils New Farington Complex Amid Season Turnaround
Lancashire Cricket has officially taken possession of its new second ground at Farington, near Preston, marking a significant development in the club's infrastructure. This low-rise complex, constructed on green-belt land, comprises two distinct ovals: a professional one designated for the men's and women's first and second teams, and a recreational one for community use. The design draws loose inspiration from Christchurch's Hagley Oval in New Zealand, renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and grass banks that contrast with traditional English cricket grounds.
A Season of Highs and Lows for Lancashire
The 2025 season began with optimistic forecasts for Lancashire's men's team, with many predicting a swift return to Division One of the County Championship following their relegation in 2024. However, early performances fell short, leading to a period of disgruntlement among supporters. By the end of May, Lancashire was the only team across both divisions without a victory, culminating in a decisive innings defeat against Leicestershire.
This prompted significant changes: captain Keaton Jennings stepped down, and head coach Dale Benkenstein departed by mutual agreement. Yet, the season witnessed a remarkable turnaround under interim coach Steven Croft, who guided the team to Blast finals day and an improved Championship campaign, finishing fifth. Croft was subsequently appointed permanent coach, and veteran bowler Jimmy Anderson signed as red-ball captain for 2026, alongside a one-year contract extension.
New Signings and Commercial Shifts
Overseas players Chris Green and Marcus Harris are set to return for the summer, joined by new recruits Ajeet Singh Dale and Paul Coughlin. In a notable coup, the women's team secured former Australian captain Meg Lanning for the Blast, marking her debut in English county cricket. Off the pitch, chief executive Daniel Gidney acknowledged the club's past focus on commercial development, particularly the construction of hotels at Old Trafford, but emphasized a strategic pivot toward cricket and facilities.
Gidney stated, "Now is the right time to pivot to cricket and facilities." The club has committed to 750 hours of community work as part of an agreement with Lancashire County Council, aiming to provide cricket experiences for children in state schools across the region, rather than privileging those from wealthy backgrounds.
Member Concerns and Outground Cricket
Despite the optimism, Lancashire's membership base remains famously disgruntled, with some expressing skepticism about the Farington complex. One anonymous member highlighted practical issues, noting, "It's a selfish point of view to some extent because I'm up the road from Old Trafford and it would take longer to travel there and back to Farington than it would to watch a T20 game there. But it isn't the easiest place to get to."
A primary concern among members is the potential impact on outground cricket, with fears that Farington might replace beloved venues like Blackpool. The club has assured that some outground cricket will continue, though Farington is expected to become the primary secondary ground. Groundstaff are scheduled to begin work on the square in April, with plans for Metro Bank men's games in late July and a women's game in September, pending weather conditions.
Facilities and Future Prospects
The new pavilion at Farington includes four changing rooms and fitness facilities for players, while training nets and an indoor dome, partially funded by the England and Wales Cricket Board, will be completed later in the year. Gidney praised the complex as unique in cricket, comparing it to a Premiership training ground and highlighting its dual elite and community focus.
Interest in the facility has been high, with Worcestershire's chief executive, Ashley Giles, visiting amid ongoing flooding issues at New Road. However, the ultimate verdict will come from the members and players as they engage with the new ground. The club aims to leverage Farington, alongside Old Trafford and a top medical team, to attract talent to Manchester, reinforcing its commitment to performance and community engagement in cricket.
