Cardiff to stage test match for first time in 2009

LONDON, Apr 20 (Reuters) Cardiff will stage the first test match to be played in Wales during the Ashes series in 2009, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced today.

Glamorgan's Sofia Gardens will take the place of Nottingham's Trent Bridge in the roster for cricket's oldest international fixture between England and Australia.

The ground will be given a 13.2 million dollar development in readiness.

''This is an historic day for cricket in Wales,'' said Paul Russell, chairman of county club Glamorgan, in a statement.

''The development of Sofia Gardens will transform the venue into a modern, world class stadium and help Glamorgan Cricket enthuse a new generation of cricket players while providing tangible benefit to the economy in Wales and to Glamorgan cricket.'' Reuters AY KP1852