Tests are reportedly being conducted on "new technology that could see mesh canopy placed over cricket grounds to allow play to continue if it rains," according to Nick Hoult of the London TELEGRAPH. The testing "is at a very early stage but has already attracted the interest" of the England & Wales Cricket Board, which in turn has spoken to the Marylebone Cricket Club to "help partner any research into the project." A company in the U.S. approached the ECB recently with a proposal to "help solve the problem of rain at sporting events." A "very fine, transparent mesh would be held up by wires suspended from floodlights," with a hot air balloon in the center to lift it up and create a tent-like effect. An ECB spokesperson said, "We would look at any new technology and ways to get games on and more people playing cricket." There are "still some serious issues to solve such as what to do with the run-off water and safety in high wind" and the technology is believed to be "at least two years away from becoming a reality." If testing is successful, "it could prevent rain washing out play, a particular problem in England and one that could seriously undermine" the new Twenty20 tournament in '20. MCC CEO Guy Lavender said, "There is some interesting technology around trying to create protection from rain and keep the game on in wet weather. It is an enormous issue for cricket" (TELEGRAPH, 10/3).
