Counties approve 20-over games

Kent are returning to Beckenham as the controversial 20-over tournament - aimed at attracting a new generation of fans - was voted in by the counties by 11 votes to seven at Lord's last night.

Carl Openshaw, the Kent chairman, said: "Our first game in the new tournament next year will be played at the old Lloyds Bank ground in Beckenham and that's got to be good for cricket and us."

Mike Soper, the Surrey chairman, was one of the chief backers of the two-week tournament. He said: "This will be the first time to stage cricket when kids can come and watch it."

Champions Yorkshire, the archtraditionalists, were the main opponents, but chief executive Chris Hassell said: "Once we heard the arguments we gave it 100 per cent backing."

The tournament starts next year and will replace the Benson & Hedges Cup. Matches are scheduled to start at 5.30pm or 7.30pm and each innings will last 75 minutes with a 15-minute break in between, giving a total playing time of two hours 45 minutes.

The competition will consist of three regional groups of six teams, who all play each other once, with the three group winners and the best runner-up progressing to a finals day at Lord's, when the two semis and the final will take place.