NEWPORT’S Spytty Park will be home to Glamorgan’s second XI this summer.

The Welsh county announced that their firsts will be playing no out-ground cricket in 2021 with Matthew Maynard’s team based at the Sophia Gardens home.

However, Glamorgan’s next generation will push for promotion to the seniors in Newport with games initially played behind closed doors.

The Second Eleven Championship will move to a four-day format, leading to the Second Eleven Trophy being scrapped to make room in the schedule. Sides will be able to arrange 50-over friendlies.

Second XI coach Steve Watkin said: “It’s really exciting to have 2nd XI fixtures back this year.

“We understand that last year they weren’t really feasible but it’s important for the younger players in the squad to have that opportunity to compete and push for places in the squad, for first team players to regain form, and those in the first team squad to have people scoring runs, taking wickets, and pushing for their place in the side.

“To be able to give opportunities and increase that level of competition within the squad is key and something that Matt Maynard and myself are very keen to have again.

“It’s been a while, but we are desperate to retain our T20 title and get some wins in the four-day format – if the second XI are winning games and developing players, then it is great news for Glamorgan.”

The opening game of the four-day campaign begins at Taunton Vale against Somerset on Tuesday, 6th April, and ends with a home clash against Yorkshire starting on Monday, 6th September.