A new report shows that international matches held at the historic Lord’s cricket ground in north London, UK generate more than £20m for the local economy each year.

The findings, taken from research carried out at Sheffield Hallam University’s Sports Industry Research Centre, found that the total net economic impact of international fixtures at Lord’s in 2013 was estimated at £11.5m for St John’s Wood – the district in which Lord’s is located – £15.6m for Westminster and £20.2m in the wider Tri-borough area (Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham).

The 2013 Ashes Test (England v. Australia) at Lord’s alone had a net economic impact of £10.8m in the Tri-borough.

The report was published ahead of the start of the Second Investec Test match between England and India at Lord’s, which commences today (17 July 2014). Lord’s is owned and operated by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Derek Brewer, CEO of MCC said: "This study has revealed just how beneficial major match cricket at Lord’s is to the local economy.

"Lord’s is an iconic venue – one that MCC believes is an asset to London as a whole, as well as to the game of cricket. As MCC steps up its community work and opens up more employment opportunities for local people, as well as seeking to increase the capacity of the Ground, the benefits of Lord’s matches to the local area will only grow."

The Sheffield Hallam Research Centre, which carries out similar work at Open Golf Championships, interviewed more than 3,000 spectators for the report – the largest study ever conducted at a UK cricket match. It also took into account expenditure from MCC, the teams and officials, the media and corporate sponsors over the four-day contest.