Hampshire head groundsman Karl McDermott to replace Mick Hunt at Lord’s

McDermott, who leaves his position as Hampshire head groundsman, takes over from Mick Hunt who has spent 49 years with the club and is retiring at the end of the season

^{Karl McDermott has been appointed new Head Groundsman at Lord's}

It has been announced by MCC that Karl McDermott will take over as new head groundsman at Lord’s.

McDermott, who leaves his position as Hampshire head groundsman, takes over from Mick Hunt who has spent 49 years with the club and is retiring at the end of the season.

Speaking to Lord’s official website, John Stephenson, MCC assistant secretary (cricket) said: “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.

“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.”

^{Karl McDermott replaces outgoing Head Groundsman Mick Hunt who has spent 49 years with the club}

McDermott, who recently presided over England’s win in the fourth Test match against India at the Ageas Bowl, began his career in Ireland at Clontarf Cricket Club, spending 17 years as first assistant and then as head groundsman.

Following this, McDermott had a spell at Worcestershire before joining Hampshire as deputy head groundsman in 2009.

On the appointment, Stephenson added: “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 Hunt for a short time before Mick begins his well-earned retirement.”

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