Warwickshire to host Essex at Worcestershire's Blackfinch New Road
Warwickshire have confirmed that their Specsavers County Championship fixture against Essex, due to take place from Saturday 13 July, will be played at Worcestershire’s Blackfinch New Road Ground.
Warwickshire were aware that due to Edgbaston's 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup commitments during June and July, they would be required to play at least one of their home County Championship games away from Birmingham.
But whilst they did consider the possibility of using an out ground within the county, it has been decided that Blackfinch New Road would be the most suitable location - with the likes of the Edgbaston Community Sports Ground not currently capable of hosting first-class cricket.
Neil Snowball, CEO of Warwickshire County Cricket Club confirmed the decision and thanked Worcestershire for allowing the move to go through.
"I’d personally like to thank Matt Rawnsley and his team at Worcestershire CCC for their cooperation and for agreeing to host this fixture,” he said.
“We know that Blackfinch New Road is always a very popular venue for cricket fans and after plenty of discussion and consideration, we believe that this is our best option for this important fixture.
"We are also mindful of the fact that our members always enjoy their visits to Worcester and so this chance to play a four-day County Championship match at Blackfinch New Road will hopefully be well received.”
Members from both Warwickshire CCC and Essex CCC, as well as Worcestershire CCC, will be able to use the Blackfinch New Road facilities during the fixture free of charge and further details on pricing for non-members will be announced in due course.
“We are delighted to be hosting five matches in the Cricket World Cup, including a semi-final, giving us the opportunity to showcase Edgbaston’s world class facilities and unique atmosphere to the world,” Snowball added.
“We are actively exploring our options for 2020, when we know that the 50-over competition is likely to be played away from Edgbaston, and we will be considering the use of out grounds for these matches in addition to the use of the Edgbaston Community Sports Ground.”
Warwickshire begin their 2019 Specsavers County Championship campaign against Kent at Edgbaston from Thursday 11 April.
