Twenty20 competition could see artificial pitches in use for first time

Artificial pitches could be used in professional domestic cricket for the first time this summer, Sky Sports News understands.

The ECB has sanctioned the use of reinforced grass pitches, made up in part with a soft polyethylene yarn, which are likely to be used in this summer's Twenty20 competition.

The pitches are also able to be used in the ongoing One-Day Cup but with the competition well underway, it is understood counties are not expected to ask about using it.

Counties who wish to play on an artificial pitch will first have to get approval from the ECB followed by an agreement with their prospective opposition.

Middlesex, Surrey and Warwickshire are three of a number of counties to have installed synthetic pitches.

One issue that may arise concerns pitch dimensions, with surfaces being placed too close to the boundary edge.

The synthetic surface would bring added benefits for groundsmen this summer with a large number of matches taking place, including the Cricket World Cup, The Ashes, and domestic competitions.