The Oval has been put forward as the ECB's second venue for the ICC World Twenty20 in June 2009. Earlier this month they said Lord's was their choice to host the opening game and the final and now The Oval will stage another package of matches.

If approved it will host warm-up, group and Super Eight matches as well as a semi final. The ECB will make their recommendations to the ICC at their meeting in Dubai on March 18, and their independent Major Match Group will decide on the third venue when bidding closes on February 28.

"London will provide the ICC World Twenty20 with outstanding venues and supporters with an unrivalled passion for sport," Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, said. "It is a city where every team in the world will find a community with whom they have links.

"The ICC World Twenty20 will also be a wonderful opportunity to encourage more young Londoners to take up cricket. We look forward to welcoming this great event to London."

Paul Sheldon, Surrey's chief executive, said: "The Oval has a history of staging successful large-scale events, most recently the Champions Trophy in 2004, the Twenty20 finals day in 2005 and, of course, the unforgettable final Test Match of the last home Ashes series."

For a full interview with Paul Sheldon on Surrey TV click here