Officials at Old Trafford say the ground will not miss out on staging an Ashes Test again thanks to a 70 million pounds plan.

Lancashire's headquarters, just a short walk from the Manchester United football ground of the same name, staged its first Ashes Test in 1884.

But this year it was controversially left off the list with Glamorgan's headquarters ground of Cardiff staging its first Test, the drawn Ashes opener of a series England went on to win 2-1, instead.

Lancashire though are determined to be back on the Ashes roster in time for Australia's next tour of England in 2013.

However, before then, Australia are due back in England next year for two Tests against Pakistan.

These have still to be allocated but Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes, speaking to reporters at the ground here today, ahead of the first Twenty20 between England and Australia, said: "We've certainly bid for it, we've gone in for it with both feet.

"Missing out on an Ashes Test this summer was a huge blow and we're determined to finish the ground in time to bid for and win one in 2013.