The Global T20 is poised to welcome dozens of overseas stars from both testers and associated countries. There will also be players from the USA. However, another group of visitors arrived from Indianapolis in the Midwestern United States, reaching Toronto on June 1 of that year. They spent almost a month in a parking lot, about 400 meters from the Cricket Ground in Brampton, before switching to the CAA Center.
These are the drop-in pitches that will be used in the course of the GT20, which is scheduled to take place from 25th July to 11th August. The same pitches were used in 2015, when a group of retirees retired. Stars – led by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne – played three show games in the US. It’s now Canada’s turn to make history – cricket has never been played on pitches transported from any other location.
Responsible for these pitches is David Agnew, the 34-year-old Australian who has worked as a curator for the last 10 years. Agnew arrived in Toronto on May 30, the day before the courses were used. Less than two months were available for the first game of the GT20.
Angew put on ten days in early June. He poured them six to seven times a day by hand, as the seeds must be moist to swell and germinate. The blanket had been taken down on June 10, but he fertilized and watered the board.
The weather was always a big challenge. “One day it was hot, one day it was windy, one day it was cloudy,” says Agnew. “The irrigation was really difficult. But we arrived there and sprouted the seeds. “
The pitches were moved to the field at the end of June. It was important that the roots of the grass were as deep as possible in the lawn profile. That’s it, says Agnew, which gives the field speed and bounce.
As the playing fields will behave, Agnew suggested changing the character during the tournament. “We have 22 games here, that’s eight games on each pitch,” he said. “There will be some moisture in the square early on because we need it for eternity. They should be flattened until the middle of the tournament. And in the end they will be pretty worn out, so you might get spin. There should be something for everyone.
“We will provide interfaces that are secure, consistent and fair to all parties. This creates the basis for a good fun game and makes the fans happy. “
Gurmeet Singh, chairman of the GT20, praised the work of Agnew and his team. “I’m amazed at how much work the team has done to make the ground,” he said. “It is her brilliance that has made this possible. Creating an outfield for a tournament like the GT20 is difficult due to the parameters and the cricket level. David and his team did a great job. “
