KENT County Cricket Club will bid to bring an England one day international to Canterbury for 2007 after the success of last Thursday’s fixture between Australia and Bangladesh.

The county could expect to pack St Lawrence with 15,000 supporters should they convince England and Wales Cricket Board officials that the ground can stage such high-profile events – a prospect far likelier after last week’s profitable Canterbury clash.

In confirming that Kent will be pursuing an ECB bid, Kent chief executive Paul Millman said: “We had over 7,000 here last week for a game which, in terms of crowd satisfaction, went off really well.

“Everyone went away having seen a great day’s cricket, particularly the marvellous Bangladesh fans, who had seen their side exceed expectations yet again.

“We had good feedback from both teams in terms of our facilities here and their security issues, while we delivered all the financial goals that we had agreed with the ECB.

“That’s a big tick in the box as far as the board are concerned and can only improve our chances of hosting a game in 2007.”

The club are unwilling to announce gate receipts or profits for the day, but it seems likely that the ODI will make a six-figure improvement to club coffers once Kent’s accounts are published next spring.

Though Kent missed out on holding an England versus Sri Lanka ODI next summer, Mr Millman believes that, with continued support from the county council and other local authorities, Canterbury will now be taken more seriously in the bidding process.

He said: “Our link-up with KCC and their sports development team was crucial to the success – and the work to bring 2,000 children from their schools across the county to Canterbury to watch the world champions of one-day cricket was a superb exercise.

“Not only did those children enjoy a great day out, but their presence ensured international cricket meant much, much more to the local community.”

Mr Millman added: “It will be very competitive pitching for England games from here on, but we will do so now in the knowledge that we can hold 15,000 at Canterbury and that we have delivered in terms of successfully hosting a neutral ODI.

“I see no reason why we should not pitch for an England game every year now, and pitch vigorously.

“And – being biased – I have to say that I feel it is our turn to get an England match.”