Twenty20, which has been around since 2003, is hugely popular around the world

Twenty20 is the newest from of the game, first introduced in the UK in 2003 by the ECB as an inter-county competition.

Both teams have a single innings lasting a maximum of 20 overs - a format which has proved extremely popular with both fans and players.

The idea of a new, shorter and more fast-paced version of the game was originally conceived in New Zealand where former captain Martin Crowe invented Cricket Max in the mid 1990s, while at the same time the Australian Cricket Board was toying with the idea of the Super 8s.

By 1999 both countries were working in tandem towards a more TV-friendly, three-hour version of the game that would create a surge in interest in cricket similar to the impact of one day cricket in the 1960s and 70s.

By 2000 New Zealand and Australia were searching for approval of a ten over 11-a-side game which would last three hours called Super Max or even a 90-minute, eight-a-side version called Super Max 8s.

However, by 2002 the ECB was conducting market research on a new short form, also being suggested in South Africa as Pro20, which would bring a modern form of the game in line with a high-speed lifestyle.

England and New Zealand in Twenty20 action in 2008

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Within a year the idea was approved and underway, aiming to provide a non-stop, all-action form of the game which could guarantee a result in under three hours, with the ECB the leading pioneer and the English domestic county game its first testing ground.

A Twenty20 game is completed in about three hours, with each innings lasting around 75 minutes, bringing the game closer to the duration of other popular team sports such as football.

Its purpose was to create a lively and more action-packed form of the game which would be attractive to spectators and TV crowds and as such it has been very successful. Most games also start at 5.30pm which means spectators can attend after work.

The game has spread around the world, gaining popularity. On most international tours there is a Twenty20 match and most Test-playing nations have a domestic cup competition.

The inaugural ICC World Twenty20 was played in South Africa in 2007 with India defeating Pakistan in the final. Considering its success, a tournament will now be held every two years, with England the next hosts in 2009.