Yorkshire return to Sheffield

Yorkshire return to Sheffield for the first time in over a decade this week with two 2nd XI matches. The first is a one-day fixture at Sheffield United Cricket Ground on July 17 followed by a three-day Championship fixture at Abbeydale Park from July 18.

Sheffield was for many years the home of Yorkshire cricket. Bramall Lane ground staged first-class Yorkshire matches for 110 years from 1863 to 1973 before the Club moved to Abbeydale Park where Championship games and one-day fixtures were played from 1974 to 1996.

Sheffield City Council is delighted to see professional cricket back in the city. Councillor Tim Rippon, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Culture and Planning at Sheffield City Council said "We are really looking forward to the return of Yorkshire to Sheffield. It is a great privilege that they have chosen to return to the city and we hope that local residents go along and watch the team and visitors to Sheffield enjoy their stay."

Stewart Regan, Yorkshire's chief executive, said "I am delighted to see one of our sides returning to Sheffield where Yorkshire cricket began. It's a great event for the city and the Club and something I hope can continue for many years to come."

Yorkshire's final senior appearance at Abbeydale Park was in May 1996, when they drew their Championship match against Derbyshire, and Yorkshire 2nd XI took their final bow a month later when they lost a three-day Championship match against Gloucestershire by five wickets.

Yorkshire's first team played 41 first class matches at Abbeydale, winning eight, losing 11 and drawing 22 with two games being abandoned because of bad weather. They played a total of 391 games at Bramall Lane, winning 163, losing 78 and drawing 150 with three matches being abandoned.