Countdown to the North East's first npower Test match

The countdown to the North East's first npower Test Match begins this Monday.

Monday 24th February marks 101 days to go until England take on Zimbabwe in the 2nd npower Test Match at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street. It was 101 years ago, in 1902, that Bramall Lane was awarded a test match - the last ground before the Riverside to do so.

Clocks will be appearing around the region counting down to 10.45am on Thursday 5th June 2003 when the umpire will call play. Venues for the clocks include Metro stations at Haymarket and Monument and a 13ft high clock attached to the scoreboard at the Riverside.

The Club expects the clock inside the ground to trigger a New Years Eve style countdown. James Bailey, Marketing Manager said: "As it has been 101 years since the last new ground was awarded a Test Match, it makes this game extra special. The clocks signify the enormity of this event and we're hoping that the whole crowd will join in counting down as we get down to the final seconds."

Sue Newton, npower's regional PR manager said, "We are delighted to be sponsoring the first ever npower Test match in the North East. As the region's energy and essential home services provider, we have over 1200 staff here in the North East and we are all looking forward to celebrating with Durham, the countdown to 5 June which is going to be a very exciting and historic day."

Tickets are on sale now costing £25 per day for the first four days and £10 for U16s for the first three days and £5 for the Sunday. To book tickets call the Ticket hotline on 0191 387 5151 (24 hour) or 0870 90 90 190 (24 hours) or visit www.CricketTickets.net