Flintoff retired from Test cricket at the end of the 2009 Ashes series

Andrew Flintoff has appealed for cricket fans to petition Trafford Council to support Lancashire's plans for the redevelopment of Old Trafford.

An overhaul of facilities is thought to be key to the ground's future as a Test venue, with the council set to meet in February to discuss the plans.

"The ground has played an important role in the history of our sport," said the England all-rounder.

"It's apparent that letters will carry weight in the council's deliberation."

Old Trafford was omitted from the list of venues chosen to host the 2009 Ashes series.

The ground was last scheduled to stage international cricket in September, but came in for criticism when a Twenty20 international against Australia was abandoned because of a wet area at the Brian Statham End.

Five-day cricket has not been played at Old Trafford since 2008, but the venue will host one of England's Test matches against Bangladesh later this year.

Under the redevelopment plans, two new stands would be built and improvements would be made to the pavilion.

A permanent capacity of 15,000 would be ensured, which could rise by a further 10,000 with temporary seating.

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