SOCCER loving cricket fans will be kept in touch of events in Lisbon on Thursday while watching the England-New Zealand day-night clash at Old Trafford.

However, cricket will definitely be the focus for those having bought an Old Trafford ticket as the big match will not be shown live in the ground, either on a big screen or on televisions around the ground.

The decision was taken following discussions with the ECB and other key stakeholders involved with the match, based on both cricket and safety concerns.

"Almost 18,000 people have bought tickets to a top class International cricket fixture at Old Trafford and we believe that is where the priority should lie," said David Clarke, the ECB's Corporate Communications and Events Manager.

"However, no doubt everyone will also be wanting to know how things are going in Lisbon and there will be regular score updates given out on the large screen and over the PA system at Old Trafford to keep spectators informed," he explained.

Officials at Lancashire CCC endorsed this view, allied to major concerns in respect of crowd control issues.

"There are significant crowd management issues which we have had to examine in great detail before reaching any decision" confirmed Jim Cumbes, the Club's Chief Executive.

"Unfortunately it is also not possible for us to organise a big-screen, particularly because of space-limitations due to the large numbers of spectators.

"We hope that everyone will understand that safety of our customers comes before any other concern."

Despite this, it may still be possible that both games will be seen at Old Trafford! If the cricket is interrupted due to bad weather, the football will be shown on the giant replay screen within the ground.

But coverage of the football will, naturally, end if the cricket restarts!