A crowd of around 15,000 watched Saturday's game between England and West Indies at the Riverside, and the West Indies v Zimbabwe game 24 hours later was also well attended.

"There is always that concern, until you actually get to the day, that you can carry off the event.

"It was the first time we've ever had anything like 15,000 people in the ground - somewhat less on the Sunday, round about 7,000.

"But to see what was achieved was very satisfactory indeed. To see the quality of cricket as well, was also very enjoyable," said Durham County Cricket Club chairman Bill Midgley.

The Riverside has not been included in next summer's international fixture list, when Pakistan and Australia are the visitors.

Midgley said it was a "slight disappointment" that England would not be coming to the north east next year.

"Our ambition has always been to get a five-day Test up here. We need to spend a little bit more on the development of the ground but I think what we've shown this weekend is that criticism of the wicket is now way out of date.

"The pitch has settled down extremely well and we need to make our case for a full five-day match," he said.