Harker believes the Riverside can host big events

Durham chief executive David Harker hopes to bring more Test cricket to the Riverside after staging the second Test between England and West Indies.

Poor weather and lower than anticipated crowds took some shine off the event, but Harker remains positive about hosting further tests on Wearside.

"As a Test venue you want to stage Test matches," he told BBC Newcastle.

"The bottom line is given the choice of no Test or a Test against Zimbabwe or West Indies, we want West Indies."

Durham's next international cricket event will be the one-day game between England and Australia taking place at the Riverside on 20 September.

And Harker believes that the organisation of that event, coupled by the strong ticket sales, will continue to boost Durham's profile as a potential test venue.

"It was pretty much sold out before Christmas, there might be a handful of tickets left for that game, but there's been no problem in selling that," he said.

"The ECB recognises that the right sort of event we can sell, such as the Australia game."

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