Surrey notches up a record with help of Twenty20 fever

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As the first balls of the new season are bowled, the Brit Oval-based club at Kennington said profits more than doubled to £721,000 last year after turnover jumped 30% to £23.4 million.

Gate receipts hit £5.8 million - 67% up on 2006 - as the Oval added two Twenty20 slog-fests between England and the West Indies to a Test match and One-day international between England and India. The hospitality and events business also saw turnover double to £3 million.

Cricket clubs see the Twenty20 game - when each side bats for 20 overs - as a major source of income. It is fast and furious and attracts young crowds, particularly at the Oval as it is close to the City and West End and easy to get to after work.

Surrey has further internationals to look forward to this season as well as decent prospects in the County Championship under the leadership of former England star Mark Butcher and Strictly Come Dancing winner Mark Ramprakash, who scored his 98th first-class 100 yesterday.

Chief executive Paul Sheldon said: "We're very pleased that 2007 has been a record year for us off the field. All areas of the club are performing well and we're really building on our potential.

"Our prospects for growth over the next few years are equally strong. Aside from other international matches, we will host an Ashes Test match next summer and the ICC Twenty20 World Cup will be an important income generator for us. Further to this, the planned redevelopment of the Pavilion End will provide considerable benefits without any investment from the club."

Among Surrey's plans are a 170-room hotel due for completion in 2010. Oval Events, the joint venture between Surrey and catering giant Compass, which runs the hospitality and conferencing side, also has a strong stream of income booked.