Cricket fans miss match start in 'shameful' queues

Long queues to get in the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground
Image caption,

Lancashire County Cricket Club apologised but said nearly 9,000 fans had arrived "very late"

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Crowds of frustrated cricket fans have described "shameful scenes" getting into Old Trafford for the start of England's test match clash with India.

England are currently 2-1 up in the five-test series, which resumed earlier and saw India surge to over 100-1.

Many spectators told how they had missed the start of play, with Andrew from Marple, Stockport, saying the match-day organisation needed a "radical overhaul", while Kevin Ticehurst said the queue to get in was "five miles long in either direction".

Lancashire County Cricket Club has apologised and said it would be looking at increasing the number of gates for the rest of the match, but also pointed out thousands of fans had arrived "very late".

The Emirates Old Trafford stand as England's Chris Woakes bowls to India's Yashasvi Jaiswal on day one of the Fourth Rothesay Men's Test.Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

England are hosting India at Old Trafford in the five-test series

A club representative said: "We are aware that some supporters experienced queues this morning, which we apologise for.

"We saw nearly 9,000 supporters arrive at the ground very late despite encouraging early arrival, with all bags subject to searches on entry.

"The club will be looking at increasing the number of gates.

"We strongly encourage ticket buyers to only bring bags if required, and if doing so to arrive as early as possible.

"Gates will be open at 9am for the rest of the game."

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