Plans to keep Trent Bridge at the forefront of International Cricket will be dealt a further boost when a new turf surface, drainage and sprinklers are installed on the outfield next winter.

Work will commence after Nottinghamshire's final competitive fixture against Hampshire in September following the award of a £600,000 grant from the ECB.

The project will help to keep delays through rain to a minimum as surface water will drain quicker than ever before, a further enhancement to the spectator experience at Trent Bridge.

"We are delighted to be undertaking this work to further enhance our playing facilities," said Notts Chief Executive Derek Brewer.

"After the completion of the new stand and the installation of our permanent floodlights and replay screen, this project is a logical progression.

"We are very pleased to be working with Contractor Steven Pask who has forged a great reputation for his work at cricket grounds across the country and restored part of the outfield following the redevelopment work last winter."

Steven Pask, who has also completed ground works at Lord's, Edgbaston and The Oval, and has been contracted for the project said: "The new drainage scheme will allow the outfield to dry very quickly and we will also install points for the hover and sheet covers to discharge to.

"Because of the drainage, the outfield will require more water and the modern irrigation system will allow for consistent and reliable watering."

The existing turf will be removed at the end of September and the outfield laser levelled to accurate grades. A drainage scheme will be installed across the pitch at three metre intervals with a new drainage outlet.

The existing soil on the outfield will be improved with the addition of sand before the custom grown turf is laid in the New Year.