“The interest in this series is incredible. We could have sold out ten times over. If the national side does well it percolates down to the kids”
slowing them down.
It would be fantastic for the sport if England could beat Australia. The visitors are top quality but our lads are still progressing and I think we might just have the edge with our bowlers. Harmison and Jones are certainly quicker than their Aussie counterparts. The interest in this series is
incredible. We could have sold out ten times over. If the national side does well it percolates down to the kids. You very rarely see kids playing cricket in the street any more. After the Rugby World Cup win, kids started going to rugby clubs, and I’d like the same thing to happen to my sport. If the England team do well it will generate the interest and the game as a whole will benefit.
Fourth Test, Trent Bridge, 25-29 August Head Groundsman, Steve Birks, 8 years in charge.
4
OUR Test wicket is located in the centre of the square. Like the other Groundsmen, the preparations began last autumn when the whole square was scarified down to a depth of 13mm, removing unwanted vegetation, and aerated using a Groundsman pedestrian spiker.
We then top dressed with a Surrey GOSTD loam followed by overseeding with Barenbrug BAR Extreme. I am pleased to say that establishment was very quick due to the mild weather. During the winter the square was aerated down to a depth of 125mm with solid tines.
In May we lightly scarified the Test pitch and gave it a feed, with the grass height maintained at 14mm. From then on we have been keeping an eye on the moisture content, ensuring it doesn't dry out, and covering it when necessary.
Ten days before the Test I will drop the height to 9mm using a Lloyds Paladin mower. Each day following, the wicket will be lightly scarified, rolled and mowed, gradually reducing the cut until we get to about 4mm, 2- 3 days before the match.
The final presentation and marking out will take place the day before the Test begins.
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