Work has started on a project at The Brit Oval in Kennington, south London, to install a new pitch irrigation system.

Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC) is investing £750,000 in the project to comply with guidelines set down by the England and Wales Cricket Board, which state that Test grounds have to be able to drain 30mm of rainwater per hour. Ormskirk-based company, J Mallinson, started work on the scheme in mid-October, with turf and soil from the outfield lifted and stockpiled to allow for the installation of the drainage system. The project is expected to be completed by Christmas.

Clive Stephens, operations director for SCCC, said: "We're extremely conscious in providing world-class facilities here at the Brit Oval for all spectators, cricketers and all other important stakeholders to enjoy. Therefore this project is paramount in helping us achieve this. "The work will ensure that the paying public's opportunity to watch cricket is maximised, with rain delays being kept to an absolute minimum."

Glamorgan County Cricket Club also recently announced that it would be installing a new drainage system at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff, while a similar system has already been implemented at Lord's cricket ground in north London.