The Ashes do not return to the UK for over three years but Durham have set their sights on the 2009 series to host a Test. They have
made a bid that includes a West Indies Test in 2007 and an ODI between England and South Africa in 2008.

“Last year the Ashes captured the imagination of the nation, not least here in the North-East with Stephen Harmison’s and Paul Collingwood’s
involvement,” says Durham chairman Clive Leach. “It’s our intention to bring one of the greatest sporting events to the Riverside”