England and Australia set to try out new regulations

England and Australia are to hold discussions to decide whether to use new ICC innovations during the upcoming NatWest Challenge series. If they agree to proceed, the series could be the first to include changes such as replacement players and various new fielding restrictions.

The planned amendments to ODI playing conditions were approved at the ICC chief executives' committee on Saturday, and while the 10-month worldwide trial is scheduled to begin on July 30, it is thought that NatWest suggested that the tests start early to mark their 25 years of sponsorship. Providing England and Australia can reach agreement with each other and the broadcasters, the new regulations should be used for the first time at Headingley on July 7.

"It's a big decision, but we should welcome the recommendation," David Collier, the ECB's chief executive, told the Press Association. "We believe it's a positive proposal and something the crowd will enjoy. Spectators have been telling us that the middle period of the game is becoming predictable and this should help liven it up. It's in the best interests of everybody that we get used to the new regulations because the World Cup is less than two years away. We'll be looking to play under these rules in the NatWest Challenge once we've sorted out the logistical problems."