England defeat proves costly for Leeds

England's dismal defeat to Australia at Headingley could cost the local economy in Leeds up to £2 million.

Experts say that a full five-day Test match would have generated £8 million but with supporters checking out of hotels early, and 18,000 ticket refunds for Monday, has meant that profit projections were down-graded to £6 million.

"It is disappointing the full five days won't be played out," said Gary Verity, chief executive of tourism organisation Welcome to Yorkshire. "Of course, it will affect the estimated total aimed at boosting Leeds's economy."

But Deborah Green, chief executive of Marketing Leeds, insisted the city could still do well financially out of the Test match: "We won't make as much as a region as would have done from the full five days but six million pounds could still be a conservative estimate," Green told The Times. "And we count ourselves lucky that we've at least had three good days when the sun has shone."

Australia won by an innings-and-80-runs inside three days, meaning those fans who had purchased tickets in advance for the fifth day's play on Tuesday, at a reduced rate, will not be refunded.

Instead, they have been offered the opportunity to watch a Yorkshire match before the end of the season.