Welsh Fiasco

New groundsman!

Groundsman handed Ashes mission

Atkinson is charged with getting things right for the Ashes
International Cricket Council chief pitch consultant Andy Atkinson has been brought in as acting head groundsman at Glamorgan ahead of the 2009 Ashes Test.

Long-serving Glamorgan head groundsman Len Smith took early retirement from Sophia Gardens earlier this month.

Atkinson will focus on regenerating the square and preparing the wicket for the first Test against Australia on 8 July.

"I am extremely confident that our preparation will be second to none," said Glamorgan chairman Paul Russell.

"Andy's appointment brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club."


Sophia Gardens will host Welsh cricket's biggest day on 8 July
Essex-born Atkinson has been head groundsman at Newlands Test Stadium in South Africa and the Wanderers Test Stadium in Johannesburg.

He has worked at major grounds in the UK including Lord's, Edgbaston and the Oval.

In addition to his primary focus, Atkinson will also supervise the installation of the new outfield drainage system and a completely new and level outfield surface.

He will also be responsible for re-establishing the external practice nets, auditing equipment, and assisting in the appointment of a new permanent head groundsman.

The club aim to fill that position by February next year, Atkinson remaining as a consultant to the club until the completion of the Ashes Test.





So they have to regenerate the square, install new drainage, level the outfield - all in the space of winter in Wales.

And this is the place where we are playing the first Ashes test. FFS ECB!!!!

In fairness Andy Atkinson is a top groundsman, used to be at Essex for years.

I'm not disputing his credentials.

Its the fact they have bought him in now and are undertaking all this work, the winter before the Ashes Test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor organisation IMO, and worrying that it'll be a farce!

Oh, don't disagree - the whole awarding of the test was the biggest fiasco though.

At least they're doing something about it!

Indeed.

Its a bit late to do something about it now IMO. It should have been done months back. Its a huge amount of work in a short space of time to get to grips with. Plus its a shoitehole to start with.

So they have to regenerate the square, install new drainage, level the outfield - all in the space of winter in Wales.

Actually, it will be in half a winter. They are agisting some sheep there for the first six weeks which will bring in much needed revenue.

Is this the time to point out that Newlands has been closed down indefinitely because of the poor conditions there?

holcs wrote:Indeed.

Its a bit late to do something about it now IMO. It should have been done months back. Its a huge amount of work in a short space of time to get to grips with. Plus its a shoitehole to start with.

Don't disagree that Cardiff is a sho!tehole of a venue to kick off the Ashes series, but, given a dry and mild winter,
the square and outfield ought to have plenty of time (nigh on 8 full months) to regenerate into what Atkinson feels will be 'presentable'.

The problem is of course the weather! If it's cold and wet for the next 6 months, his plans will definitely be buggered up as the
grass root knitting process won't have had optimum conditions to bind (covering doesn't really help) - and as a result, expect a low to
uneven bounce track. Something the 4 England quicks will really love!!!

Let's hope that doesn't happen - but ... if it does, then hopefully the ECB might learn from it, stop farking experimenting and restrict the Tests to the recognized Test grounds.
A test match in Wales ... the wettest part of the UK. FFS !

It'll make selections interesting anyway.

taipan wrote:Is this the time to point out that Newlands has been closed down indefinitely because of the poor conditions there?

turned over to grazing, and now known as Gnulands