Former Hampshire groundsman Karl McDermott has been named the retiring Mick Hunt’s successor at Lord’s.

Hunt’s role as head groundsman of the famous London venue will end later this year.

‘After a rigorous recruitment process, we are delighted that Karl has accepted the role of Head Groundsman at Lord’s. He is very well respected throughout the game, having spent the past nine years producing top quality pitches at the Ageas Bowl,’ said MCC assistant cricket secretary John Stephenson.

‘Karl emerged from a competitive field as someone who will be able to maintain the reputation of Lord’s as the ultimate ground at which cricketers of all levels wish to play.

‘His first season will be a challenging one, with five World Cup matches including the final, Ireland’s inaugural Test match at Lord’s as well as the prospect of England facing Australia in an Ashes series, but we have no doubt that he will prove himself up to the task.

‘We’re very much looking forward to Karl beginning his role and working alongside Mick for a short time before Mick begins his well-earned retirement.’

McDermott started as assistant groundsman at Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin. He won the European International Cricket Council’s Groundsman of the Year award in 2007 – and later moved to Worcestershire as assistant groundsman.

In 2009, he swapped Worcestershire for Hampshire – and became head groundsman in 2011. He presided over England’s recent victory over India in the third Test at the Rose Bowl, Southampton.