LANCASHIRE are introducing a new pricing structure for their final County Championship game of the season at Old Trafford as they prepare for the crucial clash with Surrey.

The sides are separated by just five points at the top of the Division Two table. This week’s game is likely to a winner-takes-all battle for the title, even though both teams have another match to come.

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Both Lancashire and Surrey have already secured promotion back to the top flight — but both are keen to go up as champions, which is why Red Rose bosses are determined to get fans through the gates from today to Thursday.

Entrance prices will be scaled to reflect each stage of the day’s play.

Adults will pay £15 at the start of play, while admission after tea for the final session will be £5.

Children under the age of 16 will pay £7.50 at the start of play and will gain free admission from tea.

Seniors will pay £12 at the start of play or £5 from tea.

Daniel Gidney, Lancashire’s chief executive, said: “This pricing model offers a great incentive for spectators to come to Emirates Old Trafford and watch some fantastic first-class action at a time that is convenient for them.

“County Championship cricket is the bedrock of our game and there have been some thrilling, nail-biting contests at Emirates Old Trafford this year.

“Our research has shown that cricket fans feel deterred from coming along to a four-day game in the afternoon or early evening because the pricing does not necessarily offer value for money.

“We are trialling this scheme for our final home game, in what could be a potential title-decider against Surrey, with a view to implementing it across our whole Division One campaign next year.”

Supporters heading to Old Trafford will also be able to see Jimmy Anderson in action, with England’s leading Test wicket-taker given permission by the ECB to play in the match.

He has been named in a 14-man squad by head coach and cricket director Ashley Giles.

Giles said: “It is great to have Jimmy back.

“His experience and match-winning capabilities will not only serve us in good stead but will be of great benefit to the young seamers in the squad.”