Yorkshire return to Sheffield

Yorkshire have announced they are to return to Sheffield, their original headquarters, after an absence of 11 years. They will play two second-team matches, one at Sheffield United Cricket Ground on July 17 and then at Abbeydale Park on July 18 to 21..

Yorkshire's chief executive Stewart Regan said: 'It's fantastic that Yorkshire will be playing cricket back in Sheffield, where Yorkshire began. I'm confident the people of Sheffield will support Yorkshire and I hope this relationship can continue for many years to come.'

Sheffield City Council also gave their support. "We welcome the return of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club with open arms," said a spokesman. "It's a great privilege that they have chosen to return to the city and we hope their presence in the summer will attract more people to Sheffield."

Sheffield's Bramall Lane staged first-class from 1863 to 1973, when the ground, home of Sheffield United FC, was full enclosed and so cricket ended. The county then moved to Abbeydale Park where Championship games and one-day fixtures were played from 1974 to 1996.

Yorkshire's final senior appearance at Abbeydale Park came in May, 1996, when they drew their Championship match against Derbyshire and Yorkshire 2nd XI played their last game there a month later.