ENGLAND’S cricketers will wear a black armband in memory of a Bolton businessman who died at the age of 71 after contracting Covid-19

Former Lancashire Cricket Chairman and chief executive of Bury-based steel firm William Hare, David Hodgkiss OBE, passed away in March.

He will be remembered on the first day of the Second #raisethebat Test against the West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford with each England player taking to the field on Thursday with a black armband.

Hodgkiss is credited as the visionary behind the decade-long £60 million regeneration of Emirates Old Trafford.

His 22-year long association on the Board at Lancashire Cricket included the offices of Treasurer and Vice Chairman at Lancashire Cricket before being appointed Chairman in 2017.

Hodgkiss played cricket at Cockermouth Cricket Club, the same place England all-rounder and vice-captain Ben Stokes learnt his trade as a young cricketer.

He was also known as a passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers.

Daniel Gidney, Lancashire Cricket Chief Executive, said: “We sincerely miss David every day, not just for his expertise and passion as the driving force behind Lancashire Cricket but also as the kind, sincere and charitable man he was.

“His vision for the redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford and the significant part he played in the process cannot be overstated. Without him, we simply would not be in a position to host these Test matches.

“No one would be prouder to see Lancashire Cricket playing a pivotal role in the return of Test cricket this summer and it will be a fitting tribute to see England’s players wearing a black armband in his memory today. I’d like to thank England Cricket’s Director of Men’s Cricket Ashley Giles, as well as Chris Silverwood and Joe Root for their support, as we all remember what a great man David was.”

Colin Graves, ECB Chairman, added: ‘’The contribution of David to cricket cannot be underestimated and his loss is keenly felt by us all.

“His long tenure, commitment and strategic support in the development of Emirates Old Trafford are all testament to his contribution.

“We are proud to see the England players today wear an armband in his honour. A fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to Lancashire.’’