Cricket Wickets Manual by Kevin Mitchell (snr)- Queensland Cricket

PART VI. NEW WICKET GRASS ESTABLISHMENTYour wicket must be prepared and fertilised two weeks bequality blood and bone. This two week period gives the fepreventing “burn”. I believe that sprigging is the best wayThe reason I don’t recommend turfing a wicket comes fromthat comes directly from a turf farm, if you turn a clump ovin a turf wicket and you will find at least a 10% die off on trwicket resulting in a matting low bouncing wicket. When lonto the wicket prior to turf laying. The vigorous growth ofOnce the wicket is scarified and water applied during renohuge weed eradication task. Sprigs allow space for weeddevelops and expands.When sprigging, I select healthy runners and just prior to spwater with a small amount of hormone dissolved. I find thitheir new growing medium.The wicket should be sprigged about 1.5 metres out from tblack soil block into the outfield to try to prevent the incursFor these sprigs to continue their healthy lateral and verticƒ Continue regular watering (by automatic irrigation syƒ Hand water as required to top up dry patchesƒ Fertilise with turf starter, but don’t use blood and bon at least four weeks after sprigging.Cricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

Tefore you introduce new grass to the wicket with a lawn food or good ertiliser a chance to disperse and become less concentrated, thusy of establishing grass on a new wicket block. m many years of observing problems resulting from this practice. With turf ver you will find the root structure far in excess to what you would require ransfer of your grasses due to stress. This all remains in the surface of your laid, the turf covers the many seeds that have been blown or walked f the turf layer prevents the development of the seeds into plants (weeds). ovation, these seeds germinate and grow and the curator then has ads to germinate, grow and be identified and removed as the couchprigging I drop them in a bucket of is gives the sprigs a good start in the perimeter of the rectangular Figure19: - New sprigged wicket sion of outfield grasses.cal growth, all we have to do is: ystem in this case)ne or N fertilisers which can “burn” for Page 24 of 37

PART VII. PRE-SEASON WICKET PREPARATIONMachinery you require:ƒ 2 stroke rotary mowerƒ Cylinder mowerƒ Scarifierƒ Vacuum collection machineƒ Black soil crusherƒ Spiked rollerStep 1. MowingEnsure wicket surface is dry before mowing. Take all the gmower. The aim is to get the grass cut as low as possible. Rmaterial is removed.Step 2. CleaningAll clippings are removed using the catchers on both mowno clippings left on the wicket prior to the next process. Thit should be completed thoroughly and with great care. IfStep 3. ScarifyingWhen you have your turf cut as low as possible so that theare ready to scarify.A walk-behind scarifier is ideal for this task. This process is cright down to the black soil, in fact the scarifying process sdepth ensures that when we put our black soil top dressingCricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

grasses off while mowing, using first the rotary mower, then the cylinder Remember to use clippings catchers on your mowers to ensure organicwers. Expert follow-up use of the vacuum machine ensures that we have he mowing and removal of organic material is an exhaustive process but f you don’t have a vacuum, you should consider hiring one.ere is a predominance of black soil showing in all areas of your wicket, you complete when you have taken all the visible grasses off. You are then should cut down 5mm (¼ inch) below the surface of the black soil. This g down, we have no organic or other debris on top of the wicket surface. Page 25 of 37

I cannot emphasise enough how important this process is,crushed top dressing down, it will mix with the black soil andifficult to prepare a good playing wicket.Step 4. Rolling with spiked rollerMany wickets require this treatment following a long fallowThe spiked roller has tapered spikes which serve to simply ocoring machine which actually takes material from the wicquickly and easily introduce moisture, blood and bone anStep 5. Fertilising and top dressingYou will need 10kgs of soluble blood and bone and 5kgs othree drums (44 gallon) for each wicket per season, this shospread either by (a) the use of a laser leveller or (b) by rakthen be hosed into the wicket surface, until the soil becomused to screed off, by pulling it up and down the wicket, wbeing used for screeding off. When satisfied that the surfapooling, then at a later date gradually fill these low areasthe first week, then every second day thereafter until an ebetween commencement of season preparation and preYour entire wicket table should now be ready for use at anshould be put on paper, as to which wicket you will use forreason to alter your programme. Remember one wicket –normal custom is to start to prepare our follow-up wicket ashorter and light mowing. By drawing your plan and usingStep 6.Follow up with the renovation program that works successCricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

if any organic material or debris is sitting on the surface when we put ournd cause layering. As discussed earlier, this condition will make it veryw period during the football season or just from neglect and lack of use. open up the soil without removing any material. It is quite different from a cket leaving empty cores. The holes penetrated by the action allow us tond crushed black soil to the upper sections of the wicket.of a suitable lawn food per wicket, you will also need between two and ould be crushed before the season starts. The crushed soil should beking the loose soil as evenly as possible over the wicket surface. It shouldmes completely broken down (like mud). A second hose should then be whilst still being hosed, a wave of water should be seen in front of the hoseace is reasonably level, note any small areas of the wicket that are in by hand. The wicket block should be watered every day, at least foreven layer of grass leaf appears, if possible. Six weeks should be allowedeparing a wicket for play ny given notice so that, you would now draw a plan for the season. This r which particular game. You should feel confident, there will be no – one game. Then rest the wicket for a minimum of five to six weeks. The almost two weeks before it is to be used. That is by mowing the wicketg it, this rotational practice will be come common practice.sfully for your wicket. Page 26 of 37

PART VIII. PRE-GAME PREPARATIONThere are three points to make here.1. I have appended a suggested preparation program stress that this is an example only, most curators have wickets.2. Ponding on wickets is sometimes observed in wickets creating ‘dead’ patches on your wicket. During the the couch leaves and roots subjected to such high te this cannot be rectified in the week before the next g3. The program is not carried out regardless of weather. weather changes.Grass clippings are a useful asset in the early make up of ybe kept in pristine condition and so produce sufficient clipspread out over night in a clean dry area to dry.Clippings are used for three reasons:-So as to allow the preparer to heavy roll as soon as possiblseal off our wicket (refer to “Appendix Two - Preparation oProtection from the elements, that is to slow down the dryiFor presentation, an evenly covered wicket looks good anCricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

m and the tasks I usually perform prior to a Saturday game. Now, I must e sequences of tasks that work well in their own situation on their own s during pre-game renovation. Ponding causes serious problems by day the water pond heats to high temperatures in the sun, consequently emperatures soon die, leaving a bare patch on your wicket. Of course game, this area will never recover and would need replanting. . Of course, daily variations and changes usually have to be made as the your new wicket. Your wicket block and wicket perimeter (3m out) should ppings for your needs. These are normally harvested the day prior and le realising we must start with a moist surface in order to consolidate and of a Wicket, Wednesday” on page 33 ) ing process over the make up period. nd usually plays good. Be proud of your finished produce. Page 27 of 37

PART IX. OFF SEASON CARE & MAINTENANCEThere is no room for complacency during the cricket off selatter this will present many problems. The main one beingdormancy. To me winter cricket is a no-no.But if you are compelled to use your wickets during winter,completed wicket after use when water penetration woulgrasses.Do no over use any particular wicket. That is ÐON’T use onFootball should not be a great concern to wickets, as far acricket the wicket area should be covered during rainy peruts and embedding debris into the wicket.The football players will agree, there is nothing worse thanRules to Applyƒ Promote maximum grass growth at the end of the criƒ Use an acrylic paint only on wicket area.ƒ No use of sand or soil on wicket area.ƒ No bounce circle on wicket quad.ƒ Oval to be maintained in good condition by – a. filling all divots with medium granulated sand b. regularly mowed and de-weeding.Cricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

Eeason. Most ovals will be multi-purpose or used for winter cricket, it is theg maintenance, good root structure and lack of grass growth due to , purchase a spiked roller, or construct one. This roller should be used on a ld be required before spiking. This will help relieve the stress on yourne wicket on the block on consecutive occasions, stick to your schedule.as the powers to be are concerned and commonsense prevails. As witheriods, prior to the day of the game, this will prevent the gouging out of playing on a wicket area that is rutted and dried out. icket season.d; Page 28 of 37

It is the responsibility of every club to ensure through its groto say that mowers, rollers etc have their motors reconditiocoming cricket season.Also all additional tools including rakes, brooms, weeders,A minimum of 8 bins of broken down wicket soil will be reathe season (four wicket block).1. A “Fertiliser Book” must be kept up-to-date showing o quantity, type of fertiliser used and when; o quantity, type of poison used and when.2. The “Maintenance Book” should show daily activitiCricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

ound manager, that machinery (mowers and rollers) is maintained. That is oned, repaired, oil changed, and other repairs completed prior to the up- string lines, buckets, bins etc are replenished.ady for the new season preparation and six additional bins prepared forg- ies, the weather and important remarks. Page 29 of 37

PART X. WATER RESTRICTIONSCurrently, in South-east Queensland, water restrictions app(www.qwc.qld.gov.au)While it is understood that these restrictions will cause greaadhere to the conditions in place.Appendices Some Closing Remarks on Expectation Preparation Of Wicket.Appendix (One) Oval Dimensions to suit First Class Turf WAppendix (Two)Appendix (Three)Cricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

ply and are listed on Queensland Water Commission’s websiteat difficulties, all users of water on sporting facilities are strongly urged tons of the Perfect Wicket.Wickets. Page 30 of 37

Appendix (One) SOME CLOSING REMARKSI have often been asked what do I consider is the ideal wicThis is always thought to be a terribly difficult question to anhas inherent in its lessons for curators such as ourselves.The ideal wicket is one that is equally favourable to both bparadise, then that’s not a cricket wicket. Conversely, if wI’d call a cricket wicket.You get a batsman’s wicket when the wicket has been mawicket. The ball strikes the dried surface, slows and bounceasily and make a strong accurate batting stroke.A good bowler’s wicket is one that is still moist, often becaproduce excessive bounce.Sometimes a one day game follows a test game and I havresult is a drying wicket which favours batsman and as it dThe real problem with following this sort of practice is that itrying to get water back into a wicket prematurely. An ‘oloff in the still compacted areas, and be absorbed in the dhuge variations in bounce and can be quite dangerous. IAnother way of measuring a good wicket is by counting toproduce 1,200 runs and deliver 40 wickets. And doing so sCricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

ON EXPECTATIONS OF THE PERFECT WICKET cket. nswer, but when you think about it, it has a logical answer. The answer batsman and bowler. If we have a wicket that is primarily a batsman’swe have a wicket that’s primarily a bowler’s wicket then that’s not what ade up too early or it has been allowed to dry out, this produces a slowces gently towards the batsman; giving him time to line up the ball moreause it’s been made too late. On overcast days this type of wicket will ve seen situations where the same wicket is used for both games. Thedries and begins to crumble, may favour spin bowlers. in attempting to remake the old wicket in 5 or 6 days we get curators ld’ wicket will not soak up water evenly like blotting paper, water will rundry and disturbed areas. The result is an uneven surface that will deliver It can make a conscientious wicketkeeper look quite ridiculous. otal runs and total wickets. In short, a good four day game should should guarantee a result. Page 31 of 37

When preparing a wicket, both batsman and bowler shouƒ Early life in a wicket is essentialƒ Even bounce throughout the game is vital; whetherƒ The good wicket should produce turn for the spinnersExcessive length of grass on a wicket can also favour the bthe higher the grass the more the seam of the ball can beCricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

uld be kept in mind. it is high, medium or low s later in the game. bowler. My rule is that there should be 3 mm or less of grass on the wicket,e used to the advantage of the bowler. Page 32 of 37

Appendix (Two) PREPARATION OF A WICKEThis is a typical program I have used to prepare a wicket foproperly, your wicket should respond well to this type of prstarted for the block that was just played on.You are welcome to use this as a guide but do adapt theMONDAYƒ Mow the wicket blockƒ Broom off any loose grass clippings or soilƒ Fill in stump holes and repair any damage to wicket fƒ Water whole block wellTUESDAYƒ Mark out new wicket area to be used with string linesƒ Mow within string linesƒ Roll wicket with heavy roller for 10 minutesƒ Water whole blockWEDNESDAYƒ Lightly water wicket to be usedƒ Cover bare spots with grass clippings and roll in with l Game Preparation”.ƒ Roll with heavy roller for 30 -45 minutes. (The whole p content and consolidate).ƒ Continue periodic rolls with heavy roller for 30-45 minuƒ Finish off with light roller if creasing persistsƒ Water rest of wicket block lightly.Cricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

ET BY KEVIN MITCHELL (SNR) or an upcoming game. If you have done your pre-season preparation reparation. Once the game is over, the follow up program should be program to your own situation and prevailing weather conditions. from the last game - bowlers footmarks etc. s light roller until clippings stay in place – refer to “Pre-purpose of the first heavy roll is to seal off the surface to retain the moisture utes three times per day. Page 33 of 37

THURSDAYƒ Roll with heavy roller for 15 minutes (early morning).ƒ Continue periodic rolls with heavy roller for 30-45 minuƒ In very dry conditions another light watering may be spreading out of hessian or shade cloth over the wickƒ Mow the rest of the wicket block and water lightly.ƒ Heavy roll first twice on Friday for 30 minutes.ƒ Cover with hessian or shade cloth between rolls if dryƒ Mow outfield.SATURDAYƒ Roll wicket for 30 minutes.ƒ Mow wicket to be used.ƒ Mark wicket.ƒ Mow the whole wicket block.SUNDAY/ OR MONDAYƒ Maintenance, weeding of block, levelling wateringPlease note: I never use poisons on a wicket to remove weroots out with a suitable blade and fill the resulting cavitiesCricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

utes three times per day. necessary. To prevent premature drying out of the wicket surface, the ket in the intervals between rolling will prove helpful.y weather. eeds. The only way to weed a wicket properly is to dig the weeds ands. This eliminates any chance of poisoning your wicket. Page 34 of 37

IMPORTANT NOTES TO REMEMBERDo not let your wicket be used, for practice purposes if it hmatch. Using an unprepared surface will result in the killingcontact.Do not roll out a dry wicket, this puts stress on your grass, enpressure. When rolling a wicket table out other than for ahelps to relieve the stress on your grass. Be kind to your graUndulations in a wicket are always a problem especially wcause is from: (1) Wicket soil too dense. Where we have pis not of a porous type of material, the sub soil remains damearly after it has been heavily watered or after heavy rain,Observation of your wicket will show the high spots fairly bathe low grassed areas dispersing the soil and pushing it upwTo remedy, after play and periodically throughout the weeyour wicket after a game do not forget to include repairs tthe bowlers and trenches usually in the shape of a big X shshould be as important as the wicket table and kept in goDo not use lime to mark up your wicket, use instead a cheburns off the grass around the crease area but also changthe bowlers are able to create ankle breaking craters at thDO NOT USE LIME TO MARK UP YOUR WICKET, USE INSTDILUTED WITH WATER TO THE TEXTURE REQUIRED. LIMALSO CHANGES THE COMPOSITION OF YOUR SOIL. LIMEABLE TO CREATE ANKLE BREAKING CRATERS AT THE BCricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr)Copyright ©

has not been made up (consolidated) as it would be for a competitive g of the root structure and divots to be replaced where the ball makes nsure that there is some moisture in the surface so that it will give under match, the practice should be, roll and then water immediately after, this asses and those nasty bare patches will disappear.when they start to represent a piece of corrugated iron. Generally the profile of 12 inches or more and especially when our immediate under lay mp like plasticine and moves under pressure. (2) Rolling out a wicket too , subsurface holding too much moisture. (3) Lack of good root structure. arren and the low spots well grassed, the action of the root structure in ward forming a ridge. ek fill in the low areas across the wicket and hose in well. When repairing to the immediate playing surface, divots to the run up area caused by hould be filled in with a medium granulate sand. The playing surfaceood repair.eap plastic plaint diluted with water to the texture required. Lime not only ges the composition of your soil. Lime virtually turns it into garden soil so he bowling crease. TEAD A LINE MARKING PAINT FOR GRASS OR A CHEAP PLASTIC PAINTME NOT ONLY BURNS OFF THE GRASS AROUND THE CREASE AREA BUT E VIRTUALLY TURNS IT INTO GARDEN SOIL SO THE BOWLERS AREBOWLING CREASE. Page 35 of 37

Appendix (Three) OVAL DIMENSIONS TO SUIT FIRST CLASS WICKETS DISTANCE BETWEEN WICKET TABLES APPROX. 138 METERS90 MTRS TO REAR OFF THE OVAL DRAINAGEBOUNDARY FROMBATTING CREASE 90 MTRS TO REAR BOUNDARY FROM 70 MTRS TO BATTING CREASE BOUNDARY FROM CENTRECricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr) Page 36 of 37Copyright ©

NOTES:For further information or consultation contact Queensland Cricket’s ground staff:Kev Mitchell Snr (0409 954 116)Ross Harris (0409 483 058)David Sandurski (0407 168346)Cricket Wickets by Kevin Mitchell (Snr) Page 37 of 37Copyright ©