Comment from
England and Wales Cricket Board

"We have been impressed by the plans to improve the ground and surrounding area, and have awarded Old Trafford Test matches against India (2014) and Pakistan (2016). However, all Category A venues (those eligible to host Test matches) will be required to comply with the ECB Facilities Policy by the time these matches take place.  At present Old Trafford falls some way short of the standards required and therefore the Test matches in 2014 and 2016 have been awarded subject to the proposed development being completed on schedule." 

"In early 2010 the ECB will be inviting grounds to submit bids to host Ashes Test matches in 2013.  With the development work complete, Old Trafford will be a venue that is compliant with all of the criteria necessary to host such a match, in a part of the country that has a history of staging world class events."