TICKET sales for the inaugural Test match at the home of Durham County Cricket Club rocketed this week.

Extra seating has been mounted at Chester-le-Street's Riverside ground to cater for crowds of up to 12,000 during each day of the second Test.

After England won the first Test in three days at Lords last month, interest is expected to be particularly high.

Durham cricket club spokesman Andrew Jarvis said Saturday - dubbed Fancy Dress Day - is all but sold out, but some tickets should still be available at the turnstiles for the other days.

Sales earlier this week had topped 8,000 for both Thursday and Friday sessions.

Tickets cost £25 a day for adults and £10 a day for children, although prices are cut to £5 for under-16s on Sunday.

They can be booked via the Riverside box office on (0191) 387 5151 from 9am to 8pm, or via the Ticketmaster 24-hour hotline on 0870 9090190. If tickets are available they can also be bought at the ground on the day.

Fans arriving by car are advised to use pay and display car parks in Ropery Lane, near the Riverside, or nearer the town centre.