Ground staff at Birmingham’s Edgbaston are employing an unusual method to ensure this week’s Ashes Test is played on a fast pitch.

Inclement weather has affected the build-up to the third clash of the series, intriguingly locked at 1-1 between hosts England and Australia.

Much discussion has focused on the pitches on offer so far, with slow, low wickets conducive to high run-scoring.

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England coach Trevor Bayliss has called for pitches with more life in them for his bowling attack, led by Jimmy Anderson.

But with persistent rain hitting Birmingham this week, cannabis lamps are being used to prepare the pitch.

A story on Cricket Australia’s official website says: “[Staff] are using lamps given to them by West Midlands Police to help their efforts.

“The lamps were confiscated by the constabulary from cannabis growers who had been using them to help cultivate their product.

“The lamps are believed to help produce a bouncy and fast pitch, while they are also being used to help dry the sodden outfield, a process that is not helped by Edgbaston’s vast pavilion that throws a large shadow across the ground.”

The pitch looked green earlier this week.

On the subject of pitches, Australia quick Mitchell Starc said: “They [England] are not really sure what they want to do now.

“Some of their team want batting-friendly wickets and that hasn’t helped them at Lord’s…we’ve got all bases covered.”