OLD Trafford is scheduled to stage three games, including a semi-final in cricket's 1999 World Cup.

All the 18 first class counties will stage at least one game in the cricket extravaganza but Lancashire, although initially looking to have missed out on an England game, have picked up three plum ties.

A packed Old Trafford is expected for the top match in group B, West Indies v Australia on Sunday May 30, 1999 while they will also host a Super Six match, which features the top three teams from the two qualifying groups.

England should be included in that along with the major nations of Australia, West Indies, Pakistan, South Africa and India to decide the semi-finals.

The Old Trafford semi-final on Wednesday June 16 will feature the top team against fourth while the second and third teams meet at Edgbaston the following day.

Tickets for the competition will be available in early 1998.

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