Essex and Sussex to gain extended use of floodlights

The ECB Management Board has granted Essex and Sussex County Cricket Clubs extended use of their floodlights for the 2003 season.

This means that both counties - Essex has become the second county after Sussex to install permanent floodlights - will be able to use the floodlights during National Cricket League day matches if the Umpires deem that the natural light has become unsuitable. This will apply to Sussex from their NCL match on Monday 5 May against Northamptonshire, and will apply to Essex after their floodlights become operational - from the match on Sunday 15 June against Warwickshire.

If put into action, it will become the first time in this country in which floodlights will have been used to enhance natural light and therefore allow play to continue during day games.

The major reason that this dispensation has not been granted in respect of Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy or Frizzell County Championship matches is that both Essex CCC and Sussex CCC are limited in the number of occasions that floodlights can be used each season.