Hampshire confirm new drainage plans

Hampshire have confirmed that they will be improving the drainage at the Rose Bowl next winter thanks to a grant of £600,000 from the England & Wales Cricket Board.

Nigel Gray, Hampshire's head groundsman, told BBC Radio Solent: "The new system will allow us to play late in the day on rainy mornings. In addition, I wouldn't expect to lose a subsequent day after a full day's rain."

Last winter, two playing strips were relaid and will be put to use for the first time in 2009, though not for September's ODI between England and Australia. "We'll probably play a championship match and a one-day game on them to help bed them in slowly," said Gray. "We'll see how they play and see what reaction we get from the relaying."

"The new pitches will lie about an inch above the rest of the outfield allowing water to drain off the square better," said Gray. "When the outfield work is completed next winter we will have a fast draining ground and play will be possible on days when in the past that hasn't been the case."